KAMPALA — The Grade One Magistrate’s Court at Luzira has granted former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe cash bail of Shs3 million after she spent several days on remand over charges of promoting sectarianism.
Matembe, a veteran politician and women’s rights advocate, was recently charged with allegedly making statements that prosecutors say were intended to promote hostility, hatred and ill will against members of the Banyankole community. She has denied the charges.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the court ordered Matembe’s release on a cash bail of Shs3 million pending the hearing of her case. The magistrate also directed her sureties to execute non-cash bonds before her release could be effected.
The former minister had been remanded to Luzira Prison following her first court appearance, drawing reactions from political activists, civil society organisations and supporters, who described the case as politically significant given her long history of criticising government policies and leaders.
Following Wednesday’s ruling, supporters gathered at the court welcomed the decision and expressed hope that the bail requirements would be processed in time to secure her release before prison admission procedures closed for the day.
Matembe served in President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government during the early years of the National Resistance Movement before later emerging as one of its most vocal critics. Over the years, she has remained active in public life, advocating for good governance, democracy, women’s rights and the fight against corruption.
The case continues to attract public interest because of Matembe’s prominent role in Uganda’s political history and her outspoken views on national affairs.
She is expected to return to court on a date that will be communicated as proceedings in the case continue.