The state has mounted a strong objection to the bail application of former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr Miria Matembe, challenging her sureties, residence information, medical documentation, and identity records during proceedings at Luzira Magistrates Court.
Prosecutors argued before Grade One Magistrate Sheilah Gloria Atim that Matembe has not satisfied key bail requirements, including proof of a fixed place of abode, valid identification documents, and credible sureties capable of ensuring her attendance in court.
The state specifically asked Matembe to identify her sureties by name and state their residences, a request she said she could not fully comply with, citing her age and memory limitations. In response to repeated insistence from the prosecution, Matembe remarked that her sureties “stay in their homes in Kampala.”
Prosecutors argued that failure to clearly identify sureties and their residences raises concerns about enforceability of bail conditions in the event of non-compliance.
The state further submitted that Matembe has not presented her national identity card or passport to court, which it described as a key requirement in bail consideration, particularly in cases where there is concern about possible flight risk.
On the issue of age, the prosecution argued that advanced age is not a mandatory ground for bail, maintaining that it cannot on its own justify release from custody.
The state also challenged the defence’s claim that Matembe has a fixed place of abode, arguing that submissions indicating she left her home following alleged security incidents suggest uncertainty about her current residence. Prosecutors contended that a stable address is a key factor in determining suitability for bail.
Further concerns were raised over the credibility of sureties presented to court. The prosecution pointed out that Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello submitted a telephone contact number registered under a different name, Sarah Namuswa, which it argued raises questions about the authenticity of the details provided.
Similar concerns were raised regarding High Court advocate Prima Kwagala and Makerere University law lecturer Godber Tumushabe, whose contacts were reportedly also found to be registered under different names, including Ashemereire in one instance.
The state argued that such inconsistencies create doubt about whether the sureties can be reliably traced or held accountable should Matembe fail to appear in court.
Prosecutors also questioned the practicality of MPs acting as sureties, citing Akello Lucy’s parliamentary duties in Amuru District, which they argued may limit her ability to ensure compliance with bail conditions.
In addition, the state told court that Matembe has not submitted prior medical records to support her claim for medical consideration in the bail application, arguing that the court cannot rely on unsubstantiated health claims.
The prosecution further expressed concern that the conduct and circumstances presented in court indicate a likelihood that the accused may violate bail terms if released.
In its final submissions, the state urged court to either deny bail or impose strict conditions, including requiring Matembe to deposit her passport with the court, citing concerns that she may abscond given what they described as earlier indications of evasion.
The court is expected to rule on the bail application after weighing submissions from both the defence and prosecution.
