Court Denies NUP's Mufumbiro Temporary Bail to Bury Wife Edith Katende

Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson and Nakawa East MP aspirant, has been denied temporary bail to bury his wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who died early on April 8, 2026, after battling terminal cancer.

Mufumbiro, currently on remand at Kanyanya Magistrate’s Court in Kawempe Division, made a heartfelt appeal for brief release to pay his last respects and support his children. In his application, he stated: “I humbly ask this honourable court to grant me temporary release so I can bury my wife and stand with my children in this difficult time.”

Chief Magistrate Doreen Ainembabazi dismissed the plea during a Zoom session, ruling that the charges—incitement to violence against security personnel, carrying up to 10 years in prison—posed a high flight risk. She also rejected sureties like Mufumbiro’s father, retired magistrate Moses Baligeya, and Lord Mayor-elect Eng. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, deeming them insufficient.

Previous bail bids failed due to concerns over interfering with investigations and inadequate sureties. Mufumbiro was charged on October 30, 2025, for allegedly inciting NUP supporters on September 4, 2025, in Kampala to attack security forces. He also faces charges of unlawful assembly and unauthorized military drilling with ten co-accused.

His lawyer, Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, condemned the decision as lacking compassion, especially given the political nature of the case. He criticized the Zoom hearing’s restricted access, calling it “justice denied” and influenced by political directives.

The prosecution noted completed investigations and readiness for a speedy trial.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)