Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe, 73, has been charged with promoting sectarianism and remanded to Luzira Prison.
Matembe appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim at Luzira Magistrate’s Court and denied the charge brought by the state.
According to the charge sheet, she is accused of promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution alleges that in June 2026, while appearing on DK TV Uganda, Matembe made statements likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe.
The state alleges that Matembe stated that ‘all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,’ remarks which prosecutors say were likely to incite hostility against members of the tribe.
The charge sheet identifies Matembe as a businesswoman and resident of Luzira in Nakawa East, Kampala.
Following her plea, Matembe’s legal team, led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, together with lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, applied for bail.
The defence argued that Matembe was unwell and required urgent medical attention, urging court to consider her health condition.
However, Magistrate Atim declined to entertain the application, saying no medical evidence had been presented.
‘There is no evidence before court to show that the accused person is unwell,’ the magistrate ruled.
Ms Atim further held that it was too late in the day to hear and determine the bail application, and adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for a formal bail hearing.
‘The bail application will be heard tomorrow,’ the magistrate said before ordering that the accused be remanded.
The ruling means Matembe will spend at least one night on remand at Luzira Prison as she awaits the hearing of her bail application.
The case adds to a growing number of prosecutions under laws criminalising sectarian statements, which authorities say are intended to safeguard national unity and prevent speech capable of inciting ethnic hostility.