The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to immediately withdraw charges against veteran lawyer and civil society activist Hon. Miria Matembe, while demanding an independent investigation into her alleged abduction, enforced disappearance, and subsequent prosecution.
In a strongly worded statement issued by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde under the title “Condemnation of Political Persecution of Hon. Miria Matembe,” the Law Society described the case as a “blatant abuse of state power” and an attempt to criminalize protected political speech.
According to the Ssemakadde, Hon. Matembe, a former member of the Uganda Constitutional Commission and senior citizen, was forcibly abducted on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from a relative’s home by armed men identifying themselves as security officers. She was reportedly held incommunicado at an undisclosed location for several days.
The Law Society further noted that the abduction followed what it described as a public manhunt that was “openly celebrated on social media” by the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), raising concerns about military involvement in civilian matters.
On June 30, 2026, Matembe was arraigned before the Luzira Magistrates Court and charged with promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128. The charges, according to the ULS, were sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Lino Anguzu, without what it termed adequate representation from the accused.
The alleged offence is said to stem from remarks made during a television appearance in which Matembe reportedly criticised government policy.
The ULS condemned the prosecution as unconstitutional, citing the Constitutional Court decision in Alternative Digitalk v. Attorney General (Consolidated Petitions 34, 37 & 42 of 2022), which it said protects freedom of expression and political opinion.
The organisation also raised concern over the decision by Magistrate Sheila Gloria Atim to remand the 73-year-old activist to Luzira Prison, despite reported health concerns and requests for urgent medical attention. The court reportedly cited procedural court hours in making the ruling.
Allegations of Serious Constitutional Violations
The Law Society outlined what it described as a series of grave legal and constitutional breaches arising from the incident, including alleged enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and unlawful involvement of military personnel in civilian arrest operations.
It cited violations of several provisions of the Constitution of Uganda, including Articles 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 29, 42, 43, and 44, which collectively guarantee rights to liberty, dignity, fair hearing, protection from arbitrary arrest, and freedom of expression.
Ssemakadde also pointed to alleged breaches of Article 221 on separation of powers, as well as procedural safeguards under the Police Act, Cap 324, including requirements governing lawful arrest, detention in gazetted facilities, and proper investigative procedures.
At the international level, the Law Society said the actions described in the case violate Uganda’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and customary international law relating to enforced disappearances.
Call for Immediate Withdrawal of Charges
The Uganda Law Society, led by its President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, called for urgent corrective action, including the immediate withdrawal of all charges against Hon. Matembe.
It further demanded the launch of a full, independent, and transparent investigation into her alleged abduction and treatment in custody, insisting that all individuals responsible be held accountable.
The statement also called for the restoration of Matembe’s rights to liberty, dignity, and security, and urged the government to desist from what it termed the criminalisation of legitimate political expression and criticism.
Appeal to International Community
The Law Society urged international bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and international bar associations, to urgently engage the Government of Uganda over the matter.
It warned that the rule of law in Uganda was under serious threat, adding that it would continue to monitor the case and provide legal support to Matembe and other alleged victims of political persecution.
“The pattern of enforced disappearances followed by selective prosecution poses a grave threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
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