An intense moment unfolded on Wednesday afternoon as the bail hearing of former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr Miria Matembe resumed at 2pm at the Magistrates Court in Luzira after an earlier adjournment.
Matembe, who was charged on Tuesday with promoting sectarianism under Section 38 of the Penal Code Act, remains in custody at Luzira Prison as the court considers an application for her release pending trial.
Court proceedings had earlier been briefly adjourned to allow consideration of medical documentation submitted by the defence team, before resuming in the afternoon session.
The 73-year-old former minister appeared in court earlier in the day following allegations arising from remarks she allegedly made during a television programme on national resource allocation.
The defence, led by lawyer Anthony Asiimwe, is making a detailed bail application grounded on Matembe’s age, health condition, public service record, and constitutional rights, while also raising serious concerns about how she was brought before court.
Asiimwe told court that Matembe is a “73-year-old senior citizen,” a former Ethics Minister, former Woman MP, member of the Constituent Assembly, Pan-African Parliament, and one of the contributors to Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
He further alleged that Matembe was subjected to an irregular arrest process days before her court appearance.
According to the defence, her home was allegedly invaded on June 23, 2026, by armed individuals, some in uniform and others in plain clothes, who entered the compound by jumping over the perimeter wall.
The defence further told court that on June 28, Matembe was allegedly apprehended, blindfolded, and transported in a “drone,” remaining incommunicado until she was produced in court on June 30.
Court also heard that Matembe has been visibly unwell, with defence lawyers citing what they described as severe back pain and requesting that her medical condition be properly considered in determining bail.
“The accused is visibly frail and of advanced age,” Asiimwe submitted, arguing that she poses no flight risk and has strong community ties.
He told court that Matembe has remained in Uganda despite the alleged incident, a fact the defence says demonstrates she is not likely to abscond.
The defence further argued that the charges arise from political speech and therefore attract consideration for non-custodial release.
They also cited Matembe’s long record of public service and lack of prior criminal history, arguing that she has consistently complied with the law throughout her public life.
Sureties presented before court include Amuru Woman MP Lucy Akello, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, High Court advocate Prima Kwagala, and Makerere University law lecturer Godber Tumushabe.
Supporters and observers have continued to follow proceedings closely, with activists and political figures earlier gathering outside court in solidarity with Matembe.
Security remains deployed around the court premises as the bail hearing continues.
The court is expected to rule on the application after considering submissions from both the defence and prosecution.
