By Eye Media Ug | July 1, 2026

KAMPALA – Veteran politician, lawyer and women’s rights activist Dr. Miria Matembe has found herself at the centre of yet another political storm after being charged with promoting sectarianism, ending days of uncertainty over her whereabouts following her arrest by security operatives.

The 73-year-old appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Luzira on Tuesday looking visibly weak, where she denied the charge before being remanded to Luzira Prison. On Wednesday, she returned to court seeking bail, with her lawyers citing her age and deteriorating health.

What caused the trouble?

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors accuse Matembe of making statements during a June interview on DK TV Uganda in which she allegedly said that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers.”

The prosecution argues that the remarks were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic community, an offence under Section 38(1)(d) of Uganda’s Penal Code Act. Matembe denied the charge.

Who is Dr. Miria Matembe?

Dr. Miria Matembe is one of Uganda’s most recognizable female politicians.

She served as Uganda’s first Minister of Ethics and Integrity between 1998 and 2003, represented Mbarara District in Parliament, participated in the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution, and later served in the Pan-African Parliament.

A lawyer by profession, Matembe has for decades been a vocal campaigner for democracy, women’s rights, constitutionalism and good governance. She is also among the founders of Action for Development (ACFODE), one of Uganda’s leading women’s rights organisations.

From Museveni ally to fierce critic

Although she was once part of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, Matembe has over the years become one of its strongest critics.

Her fallout with the ruling establishment dates back more than two decades, particularly after opposing the removal of presidential term limits. Since then, she has consistently criticised governance, corruption, human rights violations and what she describes as shrinking democratic space.

In recent months, she has also openly criticised the conduct of the military leadership and the country’s political direction.

The mysterious disappearance

The latest controversy began when security personnel reportedly raided Matembe’s Luzira home while she was away.

Her husband, Nkemia Matembe, later told journalists that officers searched their home but did not explain why they were looking for his wife. For several days, her family could not establish her whereabouts, prompting lawyers, opposition politicians and human rights defenders to demand that authorities either release her or produce her before court.

Rights groups speak out

The Uganda Law Society petitioned both the Inspector General of Police and the UPDF legal department, arguing that Matembe should not be held beyond the constitutional 48-hour period without being produced before a competent court.

Civil society organisations, lawyers and women’s rights activists condemned the uncertainty surrounding her detention, saying every suspect deserves due process regardless of political affiliation.

What is the public saying?

Matembe’s arrest has sharply divided public opinion.

Supporters say the veteran politician is simply exercising her constitutional right to free expression and should not face criminal prosecution over political comments.

Others argue that leaders, regardless of their status, must avoid statements that could inflame ethnic tensions and should be held accountable if their remarks breach the law.

On social media, many Ugandans have expressed concern about her health after photographs from court showed the 73-year-old appearing frail and needing assistance to walk.

Others who have faced similar charges

Matembe is not the first public figure to face legal action over alleged sectarian or hate-related remarks.

Over the years, several politicians, media personalities and activists have been investigated or prosecuted under Uganda’s laws on sectarianism and hate speech after making statements authorities considered capable of promoting hostility among ethnic, religious or regional groups. While many of those cases attracted significant public attention, some were later withdrawn, dismissed or remained pending in court.

Legal analysts note that such prosecutions often reignite debate over where the line should be drawn between protecting freedom of expression and preventing speech that could fuel discrimination or violence.

What happens next?

Matembe’s lawyers are continuing efforts to secure her release on bail as the criminal case proceeds.

The prosecution must now present evidence to support the allegations, while the defence is expected to challenge both the factual basis of the charge and its interpretation under the law.

The case is likely to remain under close public scrutiny because of Matembe’s long political career, her outspoken criticism of government and the broader debate it has sparked about free speech, accountability and the rule of law in Uganda.

Eye Media Uganda will continue to follow the proceedings and bring you verified updates as the case develops.