Veteran politician and former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has today finally been presented to court on charges of promoting sectarianism and later remanded to Luzira Prison but her cries left many with teary eyes.
The 73-year-old former minister, lawyer and gender rights advocate appeared visibly frail during proceedings at Luzira Magistrate’s Court, where she reportedly struggled to walk and appealed for medical attention, telling the court that she was seriously ill.
Prosecutors allege that Matembe committed the offence through remarks she made during an interview on DK TV Uganda, in which she criticized government spending and taxation while referring to Banyankole women ministers. The prosecution argues that the comments amounted to promoting sectarianism under Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
Matembe denied the allegations.
The court, however, declined to grant her bail and instead remanded her to Luzira Prison, with the matter adjourned until July 1, 2026.
The court appearance follows days of uncertainty surrounding Matembe’s whereabouts after security operatives raided her Luzira residence in late June. Following the raid, family members and human rights activists reported that they could not locate her, sparking widespread concern before Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba later publicly confirmed that she was in state custody.
Matembe is one of Uganda’s longest-serving political figures, having previously served as Minister of Ethics and Integrity and as a member of the Constitutional Commission. Over the years, she has become one of the country’s most outspoken critics of the government, frequently speaking out on governance, constitutionalism and women’s rights.
Her latest arrest comes amid growing political tensions that have seen several opposition politicians, lawyers and government critics arrested or detained in recent weeks, prompting renewed debate over civic freedoms and the treatment of dissenting voices in Uganda.
Watch her Video in Court:
“I’m very sick” – Hon. Miria Matembe breaks down during her court session💔 bt laiter denied bail and sent to luzira😭💔💔 pic.twitter.com/V0SMfLW7ki
— Shafik Channel (@ShafikChan78351) June 30, 2026
