By Nasser Kayanja
The Luzira magistrates court has released on bail the Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe who was remanded to Luzira yesterday on charges of promoting sectarianism .
Grade one magistrate Sheilah Gloria Atim has ordered Matembe to sign a non – court bond of 3million shillings after considering her advanced age of 73 years , her high profile sureties and her standing in society ( public figure ).
Magistrate Atim in granting bail has also considered that Matembe has a fixed place of abode which the state must ensure she doesn’t abandon again and the fact that the offense of promoting sectarianism is not so grave .
73year old Matembe is said to have made statements that the prosecution alleges are likely to promote hostility or hatrade against the Banyankore tribe contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution contends Matembe made the contentious statement this month while appearing on a local TV channel.
The particulars of the offense are that Matembe stated that all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers, remarks which the prosecution says were likely to incite hostility against members of the tribe.
Today Matembe’s legal team, led by Uganda Law Society (ULS) Vice President Anthony Asiimwe applied to have her released on bail on grounds that she is unwell and requires urgent medical attention.
Asiimwe told court that Matembe is a woman of good standing in society and presented high profile suretes including Mps Noeme Kabasharira, Ruth Akello and lawyer Prima Kwagala and Godber Tumushabe.
The court has however gagged Matembe from making further sectarianism statements and arged her to always report to court whenever she is required.
Matembe has been ordered to return before court on the 19th/ August to check on the progress of police inquires.