Kampala, Uganda — National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro has formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Uganda, Dr Flavian Zeija, for temporary release from Luzira Upper Prison to bury his late wife, Edith Katende, who succumbed to cancer after a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt letter dated 8 April 2026, filed through the Officer In-Charge of Luzira Prison, Mufumbiro recounted his ongoing legal battles, noting that he has been on remand since 8 September 2025 in connection with two separate criminal cases.
Court Woes
Mufumbiro, identified as Accused No. 8 in Criminal Case No. 1363 of 2025, is charged with unlawful drilling before Her Worship Damalie Aguma Asimwe at the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Kawempe. Despite multiple applications for bail, including a mandatory bail petition, all requests have so far been unsuccessful.
While still incarcerated, he was also charged in Criminal Case No. 147 of 2026 with incitement to commit an offence, before Her Worship Ainemebabazi Doreen. Mufumbiro is scheduled to appear in court on 10 April 2026 at 9:00 am for bail rulings in both cases.
Personal Appeal
In his letter to Chief Justice Dr Zeija, Mufumbiro described the passing of his wife and the emotional urgency behind his appeal:
“With great sadness I have learnt of the passing of my dear wife Edith Katende who has been battling cancer for a considerable time,” he wrote.
“In the final days of her release, as her condition deteriorated and became clear that she would not recover, Edith in the presence of my family members expressed her last and most earnest wish; that it be her by side and that I be permitted to lay her to rest.”
He emphasized that his request is made not in defiance of the law, but as a plea for “the law in its most human and dignified expression”, allowing him a final act of love for his wife.
“I am willing to abide to the release conditions that you will deem necessary in the circumstances,” Mufumbiro added.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Principal Judge, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Chief Magistrate of Kawempe, and his legal counsel at Alma Associated Advocates.
Tentative Funeral Program
The family has released a tentative funeral program for Edith Katende Mufumbiro:
Wednesday, 8th April 2026
Vigil Service: 6:00 PM
Venue: Makandwa Village, Kitende
Thursday, 9th April 2026
Body leaves Funeral Home
Requiem Mass at Namirembe Cathedral: 10:00 AM
After service: Body transported to her home in Mutungo Magembe’s Estate
Friday, 10th April 2026
Church Service at Luzira Church of Uganda: 11:00 AM
2:00 PM: Body taken to Luuka, Busiro Village
Overnight Vigil
Saturday, 11th April 2026
Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon
Burial at Luuka, Busiro Village: 4:00 PM
“May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
The schedule reflects both religious and cultural observances, with events spanning Kitende, Namirembe, Mutungo, and Luuka, Busiro Village.
Public Reaction and Context
Mufumbiro’s appeal comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Uganda’s criminal justice system and the use of pretrial detention, particularly for political figures. He has been a prominent voice in NUP, serving as deputy spokesperson and standing in the Nakawa East parliamentary race, which he lost to former minister Fred Ruhindi. (See related reporting Here and There).
His legal challenges have drawn attention to the treatment of opposition figures, with civil society organizations regularly calling for adherence to bail rights and humane treatment.
The personal dimension of the case — the loss of a spouse while detained — has also prompted expressions of sympathy from political leaders. NUP secretary general Lewis Rubongoya and Mufumbiro’s twin brother visited him in Luzira, finding him devastated upon hearing the news of his wife’s passing.
Next Steps
The Chief Justice’s office now holds the petition, requesting that the Chief Magistrate of Kawempe and the supervising Grade I magistrate consider granting temporary release. Mufumbiro’s scheduled court appearance on 10 April 2026 will determine the immediate outcome of his bid for release.
You can read interesting things about the new chief justice, Flavian Zeija, Here.
Observers note that the case highlights the tension between legal procedures, political realities, and personal tragedy, drawing nationwide attention to the intersection of law, human dignity, and politics.
Read our earlier story on the death of Mufumbiro’s wife Here.
