Wife of Detained Ugandan Deputy Spokesperson Dies After Cancer Battle, Husband Denied Bail to Care for Her
KAMPALA, Uganda — Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife of Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, passed away early Thursday morning after a prolonged battle with cancer, family sources have confirmed. Her husband remains in detention at Luzira Upper Prison, having been repeatedly denied bail despite pleas to care for his ailing wife.
Edith died shortly after 3:00 a.m. local time. Her passing comes amid a highly contentious legal and political dispute surrounding her husband’s imprisonment.
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, along with other colleagues, faces a charge of “Unlawful Drilling” — an offense authorities allege took place on February 12, 2025, at his party’s headquarters. However, those close to him maintain that Waiswa was not present at the alleged event.
“On that day, Waiswa never stepped there as he was at Mulago Cancer Institute with the wife,” a statement from his associates read. The Mulago Cancer Institute is Uganda’s primary referral center for oncology treatment.
Despite multiple bail applications and an impassioned plea to the court to be released so he could care for his terminally ill wife, all requests have been denied. His supporters describe the charge as “sham” and contend that his only offense has been “speaking out against injustice and misrule.”
The judiciary has not publicly commented on the specifics of the case, though court documents indicate that bail was denied on grounds to be detailed in a forthcoming ruling.
The couple’s ordeal has drawn attention to the broader treatment of political dissent in Uganda. Opposition figures and civil society groups have called for Waiswa’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds, especially following his wife’s death.
As news of Edith’s passing spread, messages of condolence began to emerge. “May God grant the family, especially our brother Waiswa, the strength he needs at this time,” one statement read.
Funeral arrangements for Edith Katende Mufumbiro have not yet been announced. Her husband remains in custody, and it is unclear whether he will be permitted to attend burial rites.
About The Author
