KAMPALA UGANDA: 08 April 2026 -The National Unity Platform (NUP) is in mourning following the death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, the wife of the party’s Deputy Spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro.
The news was confirmed early this morning by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who revealed that Edith passed away after 3:00 AM today after a long battle with cancer.
The tragedy, however, is compounded by the fact that Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro remains incarcerated at Luzira Upper Prison. Despite several legal attempts to secure his release to care for his ailing wife, the courts have repeatedly denied his bail applications.
”At the time of her passing, her dear husband Waiswa remains detained… His only crime is speaking out against injustice and misrule,” Kyagulanyi stated in a social media post.
Contested Charges: The “Unlawful Drilling” Case
Mufumbiro is currently facing charges of “Unlawful Drilling,” an accusation stemming from an incident allegedly occurring on February 12, 2025, at the NUP Party Headquarters.
However, the NUP leadership has vehemently labeled these charges as a “sham” and political persecution. Kyagulanyi highlighted a significant alibi, noting that on the day of the alleged offense, Mufumbiro was actually at the Mulago Cancer Institute attending to his wife.
Waiswa Mufumbiro remains in Luzira, unable to have spent his wife’s final moments with her. Multiple bail applications were denied by the judiciary, despite pleas citing his wife’s deteriorating health. Authorities claim Mufumbiro participated in “unlawful drilling” exercises, a charge the party denies as a fabrication.
The NUP President described the situation as a manifestation of “injustice and misrule,” accusing the judiciary of conspiring in the persecution of opposition figures.
As the party and the family prepare for funeral arrangements, the focus remains on whether the state will grant Mufumbiro a compassionate release to bury his wife and mourn with his family.
“May God grant the family, especially our brother Waiswa, the strength he needs at this time,” Kyagulanyi concluded.
