Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has been released on bail by the Luzira Magistrates Court after spending two days in custody over charges of promoting sectarianism.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Grade One Magistrate Sheilah Gloria Atim found that Matembe had met the legal requirements for bail, dismissing objections raised by the prosecution.
The magistrate noted that the 73-year-old former minister is a well-known public figure with strong roots in Uganda and was unlikely to abscond from court proceedings.
She observed that Matembe is married, has a known place of residence, and that there was no evidence to support the prosecution’s claim that she had gone into hiding following an alleged security operation at her home.
While explaining the legal basis for the decision, the court emphasized that bail is intended to ensure an accused person appears for trial while safeguarding the constitutional right to liberty before conviction.
The magistrate said the discretion granted to courts under Section 77 of the Magistrates Courts Act must be exercised in a manner that avoids unnecessary pre-trial detention.
State prosecutors had opposed the bail application, arguing that Matembe was a flight risk. They questioned the credibility of her sureties, challenged her failure to immediately identify their residences, and contended that her age alone did not justify release.
The prosecution also raised concerns about her alleged lack of a fixed place of residence and the authenticity of contact details provided by some of her sureties.
However, the court found that the defence had presented sufficient and credible sureties capable of ensuring Matembe’s attendance whenever required.
The magistrate ruled that the sureties understood their legal obligations and were fit to stand for the accused.
Matembe was consequently granted a non-cash bail of Shs2 million, while each of her sureties was bonded at Shs2 million.
The ruling was met with relief from supporters who had packed the courtroom, including opposition politicians, lawyers, civil society activists and members of her family.
Among those present were Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, civil society activist Dr Sarah Bireete, and Matembe’s husband, who attended the proceedings in support of the former minister.
Matembe was arraigned before the court on Tuesday and charged with promoting sectarianism under Section 38 of the Penal Code Act over remarks she allegedly made during a television programme. She denied the charges.
Her defence team, led by lawyer Anthony Asiimwe, argued that her advanced age, deteriorating health, distinguished record of public service and strong community ties made her a suitable candidate for bail.
The defence also alleged that she had been abducted by security operatives, held incommunicado for several days, and only produced before court after her whereabouts had remained unknown.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with the Uganda Law Society, opposition leaders and civil society organisations expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding her arrest and prosecution.
Matembe is expected to return to court on a date yet to be confirmed as proceedings in the sectarianism case continue.
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