The wife of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro, who is currently detained at Luzira Upper Prison, has passed away.
The deceased, identified as Edith Katende Mufumbiro, died at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday following a prolonged battle with cancer, according to NUP President Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi.
In a statement, Kyagulanyi noted that at the time of her passing, her husband, Waiswa Mufumbiro, remained in detention. He criticized the charges against him, describing them as unjust.
“At the time of her passing, her dear husband Waiswa remains detained at Luzira Upper Prison for no crime whatsoever. His only crime is speaking out against injustice and misrule,” Kyagulanyi said.
He further alleged that Mufumbiro and others were charged with “unlawful drilling” linked to an incident said to have occurred on February 12, 2025, at the party headquarters.
Kyagulanyi, however, stated that on that day, Mufumbiro was at Mulago Cancer Institute attending to his wife.
Kyagulanyi added that despite multiple bail applications, Mufumbiro has remained in custody, even after making appeals to be released to care for his ailing wife.
“As difficult as it is, we remain hopeful that we shall overcome someday. May God grant the family, especially our brother Waiswa, the strength he needs at this time,” he said.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya also expressed sorrow, saying Katende’s death comes amid a difficult period for the family.
“How sad that those who wield power in Uganda never give a damn about the amount of pain they have caused to so many people. No words can describe this level of injustice,” Rubongoya said.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi described the loss as deeply painful, particularly given the circumstances surrounding it.
“By the time her husband was arrested last year, she was already undergoing cancer treatment. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and the strain of his detention made matters worse,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added, “It is sad that Edith is no more, and that Waiswa continues to be jailed for political reasons. Words fail us.”
