There were emotional scenes in court after former minister Miria Matembe broke down in tears, pleading to be released to seek urgent medical attention.
The 72-year-old, visibly weak and unable to stand on her own, appealed to the magistrate for bail, saying she needed immediate medical examination to determine the extent of her condition.
However, the court remanded her to Luzira Prison on charges of sectarianism, a move that has since sparked sharp reactions from activists and sections of the public.
Activist Melvin Masasira strongly criticised the charges, arguing that they reflect a broader pattern in how authorities are handling critics of the state.
According to him, the charge itself is not the core issue, but a legal justification for detention.
“They have charged senior citizen Miria Matembe with sectarianism. The charge is not the point—the paperwork is,” Masasira said.
He described Matembe as physically frail during her court appearance, claiming she had to be supported into the courtroom and appeared to be in visible distress.
Masasira further alleged that she had been held for days without her family being informed of her whereabouts, raising concerns about her treatment in custody.
“She begged for bail just to get a scan, saying she might not survive a night in prison without help,” he added.
Masasira linked Matembe’s case to other recent arrests involving prominent figures, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye and lawyer Erias Lukwago, suggesting what he termed as a recurring pattern.
“This is how the system works now. Matembe is just the latest name,” he said.
The courtroom incident has triggered debate among Ugandans, particularly on social media, with some questioning the application of constitutional safeguards such as the right to bail.
Others, however, maintain that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.
Matembe, a veteran politician and former Constituent Assembly member, is widely known for her role in advocating for women’s rights and governance reforms.
The case now places renewed scrutiny on Uganda’s judicial system, especially in handling politically sensitive cases involving senior citizens and government critics.