Court denies NUP’s Waiswa Mufumbiro temporary bail to attend wife’s burial
According to Joel Ssenyonyi, the prosecution opposed the application, rejecting two proposed sureties. His father, Moses Baligeya, was deemed too closely related to guarantee his return to court, while Kampala Lord Mayor–elect Ronald Balimwezo was considered not sufficiently close to compel his attendance.
The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court has denied Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the deputy spokesperson of the National Unity Platform, temporary bail to attend the burial of his wife, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, who died on Wednesday after battling cancer.
Mufumbiro, who has been on remand since last year, appeared before court via video link, where his request for temporary release on humanitarian grounds was rejected. The ruling means he will remain detained at Luzira Prison and will not participate in the burial rites.
According to Joel Ssenyonyi, as quoted by Daily Monitor, the prosecution opposed the application, rejecting two proposed sureties. His father, Moses Baligeya, was deemed too closely related to guarantee his return to court, while Kampala Lord Mayor–elect Ronald Balimwezo was considered not sufficiently close to compel his attendance.
Media access to the session was restricted.
Prior to the hearing, Mufumbiro had written to Flavian Zeija, appealing for temporary release to honour what he described as his wife’s final wish — that he be present during her last moments and accord her a dignified send-off.
In his appeal, he urged the judiciary to consider the humanitarian aspect of his request, noting that his absence would deny him the opportunity to fulfil both personal and cultural obligations to his family.
However, the court maintained its position, ordering that he remains on remand as investigations and committal proceedings continue.
Mufumbiro faces multiple charges, including incitement to commit an offence, unlawful assembly, and unlawful military drilling. He is jointly charged with several other NUP supporters, among them Edward Ssebufu, the head of security to NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
The group is accused of engaging in unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony, linked to alleged military-style training activities at the party’s Makerere-Kavule offices in February 2025.
The court’s decision highlights the strict posture of the judicial process in ongoing criminal cases, even in the face of personal bereavement, and raises broader debate about the balance between legal procedure and compassionate consideration within Uganda’s justice system.
