Veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Dr. Miria Matembe was on Tuesday formally charged with promoting sectarianism after being presented before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Luzira, bringing to a head days of uncertainty over her whereabouts following her arrest by security operatives.
Matembe, a former Ethics and Integrity Minister, former Member of Parliament and former member of Uganda’s Constitutional Commission, appeared before court looking visibly weak and frail, according to politicians and supporters who attended the proceedings.
The charges come days after security agencies arrested the outspoken government critic following public remarks in which she criticized the conduct of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the country’s political direction. Her arrest had sparked widespread concern among political leaders, lawyers, women’s rights activists and civil society organizations, who demanded that authorities disclose her whereabouts and either release her or present her before a competent court.
Among the first leaders to arrive at court was David Lewis Rubongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who described Matembe’s condition as worrying while condemning the charges against her.
In a post on X, Rubongoya wrote:
“We’re at the Grade One Magistrate’s Court, Luzira, to stand in solidarity with former Minister and Member of Uganda’s Constitutional Commission, Hon. Miria Matembe. She is visibly weak and frail. Despite this painful ordeal, she is still praising her God. She is set to be charged with ‘Promoting Sectarianism.’ What a country!”
His message quickly spread across social media, with opposition supporters and human rights defenders expressing concern over Matembe’s health and the increasing number of critics facing criminal prosecution.The formal charge marks the latest legal challenge for the veteran politician, who has in recent years emerged as one of the country’s most outspoken critics of the government and military leadership.
Civil society voices
The prosecution of Matembe has drawn condemnation from civil society organizations, many of which had already criticized the circumstances surrounding her arrest.
A coalition of women leaders under the Uganda Women’s Movement recently demanded an end to what it described as harassment and intimidation of Matembe, urging authorities to respect constitutional guarantees and due process. The coalition warned that intimidation of veteran activists undermines democratic participation and civic freedoms.
Human rights advocates have also questioned the decision to prosecute the 72-year-old former minister, arguing that criticism of public officials should not automatically attract criminal sanctions.Amnesty International has called on Ugandan authorities to end what it described as harassment of activists and government critics. The organization urged authorities to release those it considers to have been arbitrarily detained, including Matembe, while calling for respect for freedom of expression and association.
Similarly, the Uganda Law Society previously raised concern over what it termed a growing wave of arrests and abductions targeting lawyers, activists and media practitioners, saying constitutional safeguards must be respected.
Long record in public service
Matembe is one of Uganda’s most recognizable women’s rights advocates and constitutional reform campaigners.She served as Minister of Ethics and Integrity before falling out with the ruling establishment and has since remained an outspoken commentator on governance, constitutionalism and human rights.
She also served as a member of Uganda’s Constitutional Commission, which played a key role in the process that culminated in the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution. Over the years, she has consistently spoken against corruption, abuse of office and what she describes as shrinking democratic space.
In recent weeks, Matembe had intensified her criticism of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, questioning what she called the growing influence of the military in civilian affairs and asking why senior officials appeared immune from legal accountability.Political tensions
Her prosecution comes amid heightened political tensions that have seen several opposition politicians, lawyers, journalists and civil society activists arrested or investigated in recent weeks.
Opposition leaders argue that the criminal justice system is increasingly being used to suppress dissent, while government officials have consistently maintained that all suspects are processed in accordance with the law and that no one is above the law.
The offence of promoting sectarianism has historically generated legal and political debate, with critics arguing that it can be broadly interpreted in ways that may affect legitimate political speech. Government, however, maintains that the law is intended to preserve national unity and prevent speech capable of inciting discrimination or division.
Supporters rally behind Matembe
Outside court, supporters, opposition politicians and activists gathered to show solidarity with the veteran politician, many expressing concern over her physical appearance.
Those who attended described Matembe as remaining calm throughout the proceedings despite her apparent frailty. According to Rubongoya, she continued expressing her Christian faith even as she faced the criminal charges.
As proceedings concluded, lawyers prepared to challenge aspects of the prosecution while supporters vowed to continue monitoring the case.
The matter is expected to return to court on a date to be fixed, where prosecutors are anticipated to continue presenting the case against the former minister For many observers, the prosecution of one of Uganda’s longest-serving women’s rights advocates is likely to intensify debate over freedom of expression, political dissent and the treatment of critics as the country heads toward another politically significant period.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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