Politics 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tensions Rise at Emotional Burial of NUP Leader Mufumbiro's Wife as He Remains Detained
Thousands gathered in Luuka District to bury Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife of jailed NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro, who was denied temporary bail to attend despite her death from terminal cancer. NUP leaders and others condemned the court's decision as lacking humanity. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/temper-flares-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, drawing thousands of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, family, and mourners to honor Edith Katende Mufumbiro. Her husband, NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Mufumbiro Waiswa, could not attend after the Magistrate’s Court in Kanyanya, Kawempe Division, rejected his bail application on April 10.
Mufumbiro had requested permission following his wife’s passing after a prolonged fight with terminal cancer. He offered sureties including his father, retired magistrate Moses Baligeya, and Kampala Lord Mayor-elect Eng. Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga, but the court declined. He faces charges of unlawful drilling and conspiracy from an incident on February 12, 2025, at NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule.
NUP deputy president Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru questioned the compassion in justice, stating it must respect human dignity. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi noted Mufumbiro’s strength in custody and criticized the rejection of credible sureties, expressing hope for reconsideration.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya called the arrest timing heartbreaking, as it occurred during his wife’s serious illness. Proscovia Salaamu Musumba of the People’s Front for Freedom decried the cruelty, urging justice reforms. Mukono MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke advocated for dignity and restraint.
Retired Bishop Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye prayed for justice and peace, while Mufumbiro’s father lamented flawed systems in justice administration.
Edith, born in 1982, was married to Mufumbiro for 15 years and mother to four children. Educated at Makerere University in Social Sciences, she worked at Standard Chartered Bank and Cal Bomby Ministries. Diaspora contributions raised Shs61 million for the burial, with mourners praising her devotion.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)