Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe was on Tuesday remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before court on charges of promoting sectarianism through remarks allegedly targeting the Banyankole ethnic group.

The outspoken former government minister appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim at Luzira Magistrate’s Court amid heavy public interest and tight security around the court premises.

Prosecutors accused the 73-year-old politician of making statements during a political talk show on DK TV Uganda that were likely to “promote hostility, hatred and ill will” against members of the Banyankole community.

According to the state, the remarks violated provisions of Uganda’s Penal Code Act relating to sectarianism, a criminal offence that prohibits speech capable of creating division or discrimination based on tribe, religion or ethnicity.

Court heard that investigators began examining Matembe’s statements after clips from the televised discussion widely circulated on social media, attracting mixed reactions from the public and political commentators.

When the charges were read to her, Matembe denied all accusations.

The former minister, who appeared calm throughout the proceedings, was represented by a legal team led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, alongside lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali.

Her lawyers asked court to release her on bail, arguing that she is elderly, unwell and has a known place of residence in Kampala. They also told court that Matembe had voluntarily responded to police summons and posed no risk of interfering with investigations.

 
But Magistrate Atim ruled that the defense had not yet presented adequate medical documents to support claims regarding her health condition.

“There is no sufficient evidence before this court showing that the accused is ill,” the magistrate ruled before ordering her remand to Luzira Prison until Wednesday when the bail application will be reconsidered.

The ruling triggered reactions from Matembe’s supporters and activists gathered outside court, some of whom described the charges as an attempt to silence dissenting voices critical of government.

Others defended the prosecution, arguing that leaders and public figures should avoid statements that may deepen ethnic divisions in the country.

Dr. Matembe served in President Yoweri Museveni’s government as Minister for Ethics and Integrity and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that helped draft Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. Over the years, however, she became increasingly critical of the ruling establishment, frequently speaking out on corruption, governance and human rights concerns.

Her remand comes at a time of growing debate over freedom of speech, political expression and the enforcement of Uganda’s sectarianism laws.