Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the jailed spokesperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has formally written to the Chief Justice seeking permission to attend the burial of his wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who passed away earlier today, after battling cancer.
Mufumbiro, who has been on remand at Luzira Upper Prison since September 2025, was arrested alongside several other NUP members over allegations of conducting unlawful military drills at the party’s offices in Makerere Kavule.
According to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, Mufumbiro is deeply devastated by the loss.
He added that the most painful aspect for Mufumbiro is that he was unable to be by his wife’s side during her illness due to what the party maintains are unjust charges.
Rubongoya explained that although Mufumbiro had already heard about his wife’s death through fellow inmates with access to radios, when Party Officials visited him, he was found in a distressed state and being comforted at the Officer in Charge’s office.
Earlier, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu announced Edith’s death on X, renewing criticism over the continued detention of opposition figures.
He maintained that Mufumbiro was not present at the alleged scene of the drills and questioned why the courts have repeatedly denied him bail.
Rubongoya said Mufumbiro’s request to the Chief Justice, Flavian Nzeija, is intended to allow him to attend the burial scheduled for Saturday in Luuka District.
He added that the letter will accompany a fresh bail application expected to be heard on Friday.
Meanwhile, one of Mufumbiro’s lawyers, George Musisi, said the legal team is pursuing two possible avenues: securing bail through the courts or applying for special permission from the Commissioner General of Prisons to allow him to attend the burial under guard.
Musisi argued that the Commissioner General has the authority to grant temporary leave to inmates on remand under strict conditions.
He further insisted that the charges against Mufumbiro are politically motivated and that both the prosecution and judiciary are aware he was not present during the alleged activities at Kavule.
He warned that denying him the opportunity to bury his wife would further damage the image of both the judiciary and the prison system.
However, Musisi expressed concern that past cases involving opposition supporters on long-term remand have seen similar requests denied, even after losing close relatives.
Mufumbiro and Edith Katende were married on May 16, 2022, at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe. URN