Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Veteran politician and women’s rights activist Miria Matembe was on Wednesday morning brought to court for the hearing of her bail application, a day after she was charged with promoting sectarianism.
Matembe, 73, arrived at the court premises escorted by prison authorities and was accompanied by her lawyers and relatives.
She appeared frail and visibly struggled to walk to the courtroom.
The former Ethics and Integrity minister is charged with promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that Matembe made statements during an interview on DK TV Uganda in June in which she said “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” remarks authorities contend were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill-will against members of the Banyankole ethnic group.
Her lawyers are seeking her release on bail pending trial, citing her advanced age, health condition and permanent place of abode.
Matembe yesterday told the Magistrate that she was unwell.
“Exercise mercy and grant me bail,” Matembe pleaded.
The magistrate, Sheilla Gloria Apio, said it was too late to entertain the bail application and needed evidence before ruling on the matter.
Matembe responded: “Is evidence only on paper. You can see I am not well. I came to court crawling.”
However, Apio remanded Matembe to Luzira till today.
Source: Chimpreports.
