The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to immediately withdraw charges against veteran lawyer and activist Miria Matembe, describing her prosecution as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued today, the ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde alleges that Matembe was abducted by armed men claiming to be security officers on June 28 and held incommunicado before being arraigned at Luzira Magistrates Court on charges of promoting sectarianism.
The society argues that the charges stem from comments Matembe allegedly made on television criticising government policy, saying they amount to criminalising protected political speech.
Ssemakadde also demanded an independent investigation into her alleged abduction and treatment in custody, and urged authorities to restore her liberty and dignity.
The lawyers’ body further appealed to international partners to engage the Ugandan government, warning that the case poses a serious threat to the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
By Our Reporter
1st July 2026
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