Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has demanded the immediate release of detained National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, sharply criticising the judiciary and prosecution over what it described as political persecution.
In a letter dated April 8, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony condemned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and sections of the judiciary, particularly magistrates Frank Namanya and Damalie Agumasiimwe of Kawempe Magistrate Court, over their handling of the case.
“We condemn, in the strongest and most unequivocal terms, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary… who presided over this calamity,” Asiimwe wrote.
The ULS statement followed the death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife to Mufumbiro, who passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer.
Asiimwe argued that Mufumbiro’s continued detention denied him the opportunity to care for his ailing wife and be with her in her final moments. “A loss that cuts deep, especially given your unjust detention in Luzira Upper Prison,” the letter states.
The lawyers’ body described the charges against Mufumbiro as “textbook political persecution,” arguing that the offences were bailable but bail was “denied with ruthless consistency.”
Asiimwe further warned that continued incarceration of suspects on bailable offences undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the justice system. “How many more Ediths must Uganda bury before this system admits that incarcerating citizens on bailable offences… is a dangerous scourge?” he questioned.
In a clarion call to the judiciary, the Law Society urged judicial officers to uphold constitutional principles and avoid what it termed as “rubber-stamping abusive remands.” “Your courts are not extensions of the executive. Uphold the Constitution you swore to defend. Grant bail where the law demands it,” ULS stated, urging an end to what it described as selective justice targeting opposition figures.
The ULS strongly demanded the immediate release of Mufumbiro and other political detainees, urging authorities to allow grieving families to mourn with dignity. “The Uganda Law Society demands the immediate release of Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and all political prisoners. Let grieving families mourn and heal in peace. Enough is enough,” the statement reads.
Mufumbiro Appeals for Release to Bury Wife
Earlier on Wednesday, Mufumbiro wrote to Chief Justice Flavian Zeija seeking temporary release from prison to attend the burial of his wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who died on Wednesday after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
“With great sadness, I have learnt of the passing of my dear wife Edith Katende… In the final days of her illness… she expressed her last and most earnest wish; that I be by her side and that I be permitted to lay her to rest,” his letter, copy of which DailyExpress saw, reads in part.
He added: “I pray that you entreat the Chief Magistrate… to grant me bail to be able to bury my wife.”
However, Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine said there is no legal framework allowing remand prisoners temporary release for burial rites. “You are not allowed to bury, and there is no law that provides for that… our role is to keep him,” Baine said, adding that only a court can grant bail.
Mufumbiro’s lawyer, Counsel Elias Nalukoola, noted that the matter remains at the discretion of courts handling Mufumbiro’s cases. “It is complicated because he has two cases… one court may grant bail while another refuses,” Nalukoola said, adding that previous bail applications had been unsuccessful.
Under Article 23(6)(c) of Uganda’s Constitution, suspects held beyond statutory limits may qualify for mandatory bail, an argument his lawyers say applies in this case.
Family members confirmed that a vigil was held in Kitende, Wakiso District. A requiem service is scheduled at Namirembe Cathedral before the body is transported to Mutungo and later to Luuka District.
Burial is scheduled for Saturday at 2 pm in Busiiro Village, Luuka District.
Katende, a mother of four, had battled cancer for four years, with her condition worsening after childbirth.
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