Grief is colliding with justice for detained National Unity Platform spokesman Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, who is making a desperate appeal for temporary freedom to bury his wife, placing his last hope in Chief Justice Flavian Zeija.
Mufumbiro’s wife, Edith Katende, died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer, ending a painful chapter that unfolded while he remained behind bars.
In an emotional letter to the Chief Justice, Mufumbiro outlines both his legal struggles and personal anguish. He says he is currently facing charges of unlawful drilling before Magistrate Damalie Aguma Asiimwe and notes that despite multiple bail applications, including a mandatory bail request, he has remained in detention.
His legal troubles deepened while in custody when he was also charged with incitement to commit an offence in a separate case before Chief Magistrate Ainembabazi Doreen.
“I will be appearing in court on April 10, 2026, for rulings on my bail applications,” he wrote, before informing the court of his wife’s passing.
What stands out in his plea is the emotional weight of a promise he could not fulfil. In her final days, as her condition worsened, Edith expressed her last wish that her husband be by her side and later lay her to rest.
“It is for this reason that I appeal for temporary release,” Mufumbiro wrote. “I seek the law in its most human and dignified expression to permit me one final act of love for my wife.”
He pledged to comply with any conditions the court may impose, stressing that his request is not an act of defiance but an appeal to compassion within the justice system.
Mufumbiro is jointly charged with seven other members of the National Unity Platform, including Edward Ssebufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, the head of security for party leader Robert Kyagulanyi.
The group faces charges including unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony, arising from allegations that they conducted unauthorised military-style training at party offices in Makerere-Kavule in February 2025.
