Luuka, Uganda: The burial of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife to jailed National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Alex Mufumbiro, turned into a charged political event on Saturday, with opposition leaders sharply criticising the judiciary over the denial of bail that kept him away from his wife’s final send-off.
Katende, who succumbed to cancer after a prolonged illness, was laid to rest in Busiiro Village, Waibuga Sub-county, amid an emotionally heavy atmosphere dominated by calls for justice, compassion, and reforms in Uganda’s legal system.
What began as a solemn farewell quickly evolved into a platform for political expression, with multiple speakers condemning the judiciary’s refusal to grant Mufumbiro bail to attend the burial.
In a recorded message, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu described the situation as emblematic of a justice system that is losing public trust. “The last hope for Ugandans has always been the judiciary, but now that hope is fading,” he said.
Kyagulanyi, who was at the burial, represented by the acting NUP President, Lina Zedriga, called for empathy in the application of justice, particularly in moments of personal loss.
“This is a time when humanity should guide decisions, not rigid processes that ignore human suffering,” she said, condemning Mufumbiro’s continued incarceration.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi criticised the grounds upon which prosecutors blocked the bail application. “The prosecutors blocked the bail application on grounds that the sureties did not meet the requirements, but we are preparing others to present,” Ssenyonyi said.
“We want a Uganda where we can agree to disagree despite political differences.”
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya revealed that Ugandans in the diaspora had raised over Shs60 million to support the bereaved family, describing it as a show of solidarity.
Several political figures used the burial to denounce what they described as inhumane treatment of detainees.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze and Kigulu South MP-elect Andrew Kiiza Kaluya urged religious leaders to speak out against injustice, arguing that silence in such moments undermines societal values.
Salaam Musumba delivered a blunt critique, describing the denial of bail as “cruel” and “devilish.” “We need to restore humanity and brotherhood in this country… this is not the Uganda we should accept,” she said.
Religious and Cultural Voices Weigh In
Retired Busoga Bishop Paul Samson Naimanhye Mukembo urged Ugandans to remain prayerful while reflecting on both physical and spiritual struggles, noting that many people suffer unjustly.
A message from the Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister, delivered by Counsel Alex Luganda, called for tolerance, emphasising that political differences should not lead to persecution.
Family members, including Mufumbiro’s father, Moses Baligeya and brother Kenneth Kato, thanked mourners for their support but also expressed concern over what they described as unjust treatment. Baligeya warned against abuse of power, urging authorities to act with fairness and integrity.
The burial has reignited debate over the balance between legal procedure and compassion, particularly in cases involving bereavement.
For many who attended, the absence of Mufumbiro at his wife’s burial became a symbol of a broader concern, whether Uganda’s justice system adequately reflects humanity in its application of the law.
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