Politics 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Emotional Burial for Detained NUP Leader's Wife Sparks Outrage Over Bail Denial
Thousands gathered in Luuka District to bury Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife of imprisoned NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro, who was denied temporary bail to attend despite her death from terminal cancer. NUP leaders and allies condemned the court's decision as lacking humanity amid charges of unlawful drilling and conspiracy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tempers-flare-as-nup-supporters-bury-mufumbiro-s-wife-while-he-remains-in-prison-5420558
An emotional funeral took place in Busiro Village, Waibuga Sub-county, Luuka District, for Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife of detained National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro Waiswa. Thousands of NUP supporters, relatives, and mourners attended, highlighting the absence of Mufumbiro, who remains in custody.
Mufumbiro had requested permission from the Magistrate’s Court in Kanyaya, Kawempe Division, to attend the burial after his wife’s passing following a prolonged fight with terminal cancer. Despite offering sureties like his father, retired magistrate Moses Baligeya, and Kampala Lord Mayor-elect Eng Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, the court denied bail on April 10.
He faces charges of unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and related offenses from an incident on February 12, 2025, at NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division. Mufumbiro also appealed to the Chief Justice for temporary release.
NUP deputy president Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru questioned the humanity of justice, urging compassion for human dignity. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi noted Mufumbiro’s strength in prison and criticized the rejection of credible sureties, expressing hope for reconsideration.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya called the arrest timing painful, as it occurred during his wife’s serious illness. Proscovia Salaamu Musumba of the People’s Front for Freedom decried the cruelty, while MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke advocated for dignity and restraint.
Retired Bishop Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye prayed for justice and peace, and Mufumbiro’s father raised concerns over institutional failures in justice administration.
Edith, born January 1, 1982, was married to Mufumbiro for 15 years and left four children. She held a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from Makerere University and worked at Standard Chartered Bank and Cal Bomby Ministries. Diaspora contributions raised Shs61 million for the burial, praising her as a devoted mother.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)