Kampala, April 8, 2026 — Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has announced the death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife to National Unity Platform Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, while criticising his continued detention at Luzira Prison.
In a statement shared on social media, Bobi Wine said Edith passed away after battling cancer, noting that she died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“Fellow Ugandans, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dear sister and comrade, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, the wife of our Deputy Spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro. Edith passed on after 3:00am today following a hard-fought battle with cancer,” he said.
Bobi Wine expressed concern that Mufumbiro remains in custody at Luzira Upper Prison at the time of his wife’s death, despite what he described as repeated pleas for bail on humanitarian grounds.
“At the time of her passing, her dear husband Waiswa remains detained at Luzira Upper Prison for no crime whatsoever. His only crime is speaking out against injustice and misrule,” he said.
He further alleged that Mufumbiro is facing charges of “Unlawful Drilling,” linked to an alleged incident said to have occurred at the party headquarters in February 2025, claims the opposition says are politically motivated.
“The criminal regime placed on him and others the sham charge of ‘Unlawful Drilling’ which apparently took place on 12th February 2025 at our Party Headquarters,” he said, adding that Mufumbiro was not present at the scene on the day in question.
Bobi Wine also accused the judiciary of failing to act on bail applications despite what he termed “an impassioned plea” for temporary release to allow Mufumbiro to support his ailing wife.
“In fact, on that day, Waiswa never stepped there as he was at Mulago Cancer Institute with the wife! The judiciary, fully aware of these facts, has chosen to conspire in this persecution,” he claimed.
He added that repeated bail applications had been denied, describing the situation as unjust.
“Waiswa, alongside other comrades, has applied for bail severally. He has variously made an impassioned plea to the Court to be released on bail so that he takes care of his sick wife, but it has been denied. The injustice!”
Mufumbiro, a senior figure in the National Unity Platform, has been in detention facing charges linked to alleged illegal political training activities, charges his party has consistently rejected as politically driven.
Bobi Wine concluded his message with a message of solidarity and hope for the family.
“As difficult as it is, we remain hopeful that we shall overcome some day. May God grant the family, especially our brother Waiswa, the strength he needs at this time.”
