Former Ethics and Integrity Minister and member of Uganda’s Constitutional Commission, Miria Matembe, has been charged with promoting sectarianism following remarks she allegedly made during a television appearance in June.
Matembe was on Tuesday presented before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court at Luzira after police preferred charges against her under Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act, accusing her of making statements likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe.
Supporters, friends and human rights activists gathered at the court in a show of solidarity with the veteran politician, describing her appearance as emotional and concerning.
According to those present, the 73-year-old appeared visibly weak and frail as she waited to be processed by court. Despite her condition, supporters said she remained calm and continued praying throughout the ordeal.
Police charge sheets indicate that Matembe, a businesswoman and resident of Luzira in Nakawa Division, is accused of making the alleged statements during an appearance on DK TV Uganda Platform.
According to the charge sheet, investigators claim that during the month of June 2026, while in Nakawa Division, Kampala District, Matembe allegedly stated that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers.“
The prosecution contends that the remarks were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe, thereby constituting the offence of promoting sectarianism.
The charge sheet was prepared by police under CRB 638/2026 and bears the consent of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offence of promoting sectarianism is one of the offences under Uganda’s criminal laws intended to prohibit speech or conduct that incites hostility or discrimination against people based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or other protected identities.
Matembe, one of Uganda’s most outspoken political figures, has for decades been known for her criticism of corruption, governance failures and what she describes as growing inequality in the country. A former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, she has remained an influential voice in public affairs since leaving government.
The decision to prosecute her is expected to spark debate over the limits of free expression and the application of Uganda’s laws on sectarianism, particularly where political commentary intersects with criminal liability.
Supporters outside court argued that the prosecution targets a long-time government critic, while others insist that public figures should exercise caution when making statements touching on ethnicity because of their potential impact on social cohesion.
As proceedings commenced at the Luzira Grade One Magistrate’s Court, the court was expected to formally read the charge to Matembe before determining the next course of action, including whether she would be granted bail and when the matter would return for hearing.
The case is likely to attract significant public interest given Matembe’s long political career and her reputation as one of Uganda’s most prominent advocates for constitutionalism, accountability and democratic governance. It also comes amid renewed scrutiny of how authorities are enforcing laws relating to hate speech and sectarianism in Uganda.
Further details, including Matembe’s plea and any ruling on bail, are expected after the court session.
