Abductions, fainthearted courts, media shutdowns, create perfect storm COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | Miria Matembe. Timothy Kalyegira. Erias Lukwago. Kizza Besigye. Obeid Lutale. Eddie Mutwe. Muwanga Kivumbi. Waiswa Muf…
The story
The Independent July 6, 2026 In The Magazine, The News Today Leave a comment
Abductions, fainthearted courts, media shutdowns, create perfect storm
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COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | Miria Matembe. Timothy Kalyegira. Erias Lukwago. Kizza Besigye. Obeid Lutale. Eddie Mutwe. Muwanga Kivumbi. Waiswa Mufumbiro. Achileo Kivumbi. Olivia Lutaaya. Bobi Giant. Bobi Young. The list keeps growing.
Who will be arrested next, and on what charge? In Uganda, these questions have become increasingly common as allegations of abductions, detentions and state brutality intensify in 2026. Images of 72-year-old activist and former minister Miria Matembe being brought to court, unable to walk unaided, have circulated widely and added to public concern.
Matembe, a long-time activist and former minister of ethics and integrity, was allegedly abducted by security agents after appearing in a video in which she criticised Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni. Gen. Muhoozi also chairs the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political movement that has been expanding its presence within government structures and is widely viewed as a key player in the country’s succession politics.
Matembe was charged with sectarianism at the Luzira Magistrates Grade One Court. She spent a night at Luzira Prison after being denied bail.
Following public pressure, she was released on bail the following day. The presiding magistrate, Gloria Sheila Atim, faced criticism, with observers pointing to Matembe’s reported medical condition.
“… advanced age and sickness used to be a ground for grant of bail! Advocates would even make oral applications in court and magistrates would deliver a ruling there and then. Well that was long ago before judiciary died …” Lawyer Peter Magela Gwayaka posted on X.
How other sources reported it
Independent Uganda also reported on the story, highlighting that kampala, uganda | urn | president museveni has defended the government’s opposition to granting bail to some opposition figures facing criminal charges
Observer Uganda also reported on the story, highlighting that as behind-the-scenes negotiations continue over the reopening of nation media group (nmg) uganda, daily monitor co-founder phillip wafula oguttu has cautioned against any agreement that would give the government influence over editorial decisions.
Why it matters
This is a public-interest story for Uganda because it touches institutions, communities, policy decisions, or services that affect daily life. Mods99 News will continue updating the article if more verified details become available.