The National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, has formally appealed for temporary release from Luzira Upper Prison to bury his late wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Kawempe on Wednesday, Mufumbiro, who has been on remand since September 8, 2025, cited the tragic passing of his wife after a prolonged battle with cancer.
He is currently facing charges in Criminal Case No. 1363 of 2025 for unlawful drilling and Criminal Case No. 147 of 2026 for incitement to commit an offence.
Despite filing several bail applications, including a mandatory bail request, Mufumbiro’s appeals have so far been unsuccessful.
In his plea, he emphasized his wife’s last wish to have him present for her burial and assured the court of his willingness to comply with any conditions set for temporary release.
Mufumbiro is scheduled to appear before Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court on April 10, 2026, for bail rulings on both cases. His appeal has also been forwarded to the Principal Judge, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other relevant judicial authorities.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for his immediate release so he can be with his family during this period of mourning. In a statement issued on April 8, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony said:
“The Uganda Law Society demands the immediate release of Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and all political prisoners. Let grieving families mourn and heal in peace. Enough is enough.”
Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who succumbed to cancer in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness, was described by ULS as a resilient and devoted mother whose strength sustained her family through challenging times.
Asiimwe criticized the repeated denial of bail on humanitarian grounds, calling it a “callous display of state-sponsored cruelty.”
He condemned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the judiciary, particularly Magistrates Frank Namanya and Damalic Agumaasiimwe, for what he described as politically motivated prosecutions.
He stressed that the offences against Mufumbiro were bailable under any objective legal standard and urged judicial officers to prioritize compassion and constitutional rights in such cases.
“End the culture of selective justice that treats opposition figures as enemies of the state rather than citizens with inviolable rights,” the statement read. He also called on courts to carefully consider humanitarian grounds, particularly in cases involving family emergencies, and urged a review of cases involving individuals detained on bailable offences.
ULS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, defending constitutional rights, and supporting families affected by legal and institutional challenges.
Edith Katende Mufumbiro will be remembered for her courage and dedication to her family, with ULS highlighting that her legacy should inspire continued efforts toward a fair and compassionate justice system.
