Former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until July 1 after being charged with promoting sectarianism.
The 73-year-old, who appeared visibly frail and required assistance to walk, was arraigned before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Luzira on Tuesday.
Matembe is accused of making statements that allegedly promoted hostility against members of the Banyankole community.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the Luzira-based businesswoman and resident of Nakawa Division faces one count of promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128.
The prosecution alleges that in June 2026, while appearing on a DK TV Uganda programme in Nakawa Division, Kampala, Matembe stated that “all our taxes are being spent on Banyankole women ministers.” The State contends that the remarks were likely to incite hostility, hatred, or ill will against members of the Banyankole community.
The charge sheet further states that the remarks were inflammatory and contravened Uganda’s laws prohibiting sectarian speech.
During the court proceedings, Matembe broke down in tears as she pleaded for bail, telling the court that she was in poor health and urgently needed medical attention.
She said she was suffering from severe back pain, claiming that her “backbone is shattered,” and requested to be taken to hospital for treatment. However, the court declined to grant her bail at this stage.
Matembe was arrested on Sunday afternoon after allegedly evading arrest for five days. Security operatives reportedly conducted a joint operation at her residence but did not find her during their initial visit.
Her arrest followed investigations into the televised remarks that led to the charges.
The court subsequently remanded Matembe to Luzira Prison pending further hearing of the case on July 1.
Matembe is a prominent public figure, a former Cabinet minister, and one of the delegates who participated in drafting Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
