Veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Miria Matembe was on Tuesday charged with promoting sectarianism after appearing before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Luzira, ending days of speculation over her whereabouts following her arrest.
Matembe, a former Ethics and Integrity Minister and Constitutional Commission member, appeared in court looking visibly frail, according to politicians and supporters present during the proceedings. Her charge stems from recent remarks in which she criticized senior government figures, including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sparking debate over the limits of political expression.
Her arrest had earlier triggered concern among political actors, lawyers and civil society groups who demanded clarity on her detention and urged authorities to either release her or present her before court.
Among those who attended the hearing was David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform, who described Matembe’s condition as worrying while condemning the charge. In a post on X, he said she appeared weak but remained composed and firm in her faith.
Civil society groups also reacted strongly, with women’s rights advocates calling for an end to what they described as the harassment of long-serving public figures. The Uganda Women’s Movement urged respect for due process and constitutional freedoms, warning that targeting veteran activists risks undermining civic space.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have previously called for the protection of freedom of expression and the release of individuals they consider arbitrarily detained. The Uganda Law Society has also raised concern over increasing arrests of critics and activists.
Matembe, known for her long public service career and outspoken stance on governance and corruption, has in recent years become one of the government’s most vocal critics. Her latest legal troubles come amid a broader wave of arrests involving opposition figures, journalists and activists.
Authorities maintain that charges such as promoting sectarianism are intended to protect national unity and prevent divisive speech, while critics argue the law is being applied too broadly to limit dissent.
The case has been adjourned to a later date, with supporters and legal teams expected to continue following proceedings closely as debate intensifies over political freedoms and rule of law in the country.
