Ex-minister Miria Matembe cries out and says, “At Least Amin Used to Shoot You,” after court denies her access to her doctor and remands her to Luzira Prison over Banyankore remarks

She was delivered to court Tuesday afternoon, frail in a police patrol pickup. She emerged from the front seat visibly sick. A relative supported her weak walk. She had been delivered to the temple of justice, her supporters thought, hopeful she would be freed. At least on bail terms. It was never to be.

Inside court, veteran politician and former Ethics Minister Dr. Miria Matembe wailed and cried for mercy and an opportunity to go see her doctor who tends to her back problem. “I am a Ugandan. I am not going to run. Please, have a human heart and let me see my doctor,” Matembe, tears in her eyes. Her voice was equally teary.

On noticing that that presiding magistrate wouldn’t heed to her pleas. Matembe said, “At least Amin used to shoot you, po! But thia breaking…” She helpless sobbed and went on and on pleading. No success.

Matembe has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with sectarianism over remarks allegedly directed at members of the Banyankole tribe.

Matembe appeared Tuesday before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim at the Luzira Magistrate’s Court, where state prosecutors accused her of making statements capable of promoting hatred, hostility and ill will against a section of Ugandans based on ethnicity.

The prosecution told court that the remarks were made during a televised political discussion aired on DK TV Uganda earlier this month. Investigators allege that some of the comments specifically targeted the Banyankole community and violated Uganda’s laws against sectarian speech.

Dressed in a gomesi and escorted by supporters and lawyers, the former minister listened quietly as the charges were read to her before firmly denying any wrongdoing.

Court documents presented by the state allege that Matembe knowingly uttered statements intended to incite division among Ugandans at a time when the country continues to face growing political and social tensions.

Her legal team, led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, together with lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, immediately requested court to release her on bail, arguing that the 73-year-old was in poor health and required medical attention.

The defense further argued that Matembe is a well-known public figure with a fixed place of residence and could not interfere with investigations.

However, Magistrate Atim declined to grant bail instantly, saying the court had not been presented with sufficient medical documentation to justify an immediate release.

The magistrate then ordered Matembe’s remand to Luzira Prison and adjourned the matter to Wednesday for further hearing of the bail application.

Outside court, emotions ran high as supporters condemned the prosecution, describing it as politically motivated. Others, however, defended the charges, arguing that public figures must be held accountable for statements capable of inflaming tribal divisions.

Matembe remains one of Uganda’s most recognisable political voices. A former ally of President Yoweri Museveni, she later broke ranks with the ruling establishment and became an outspoken critic of corruption, abuse of power and governance failures.

Over the years, she has built a reputation for blunt political commentary and activism, especially on women’s rights and constitutionalism.

Her latest legal troubles now add to a growing list of opposition politicians, activists and government critics facing prosecution over political speech and public expression in Uganda.