ULS Accuses Judiciary of Abuse After Death of NUP Spokesperson’s Wife

The Uganda Law Society says the death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro has exposed deep flaws in Uganda’s justice system, accusing courts and prosecutors of denying basic rights and weaponising the law against opposition figures.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned what it describes as political persecution and judicial abuse following the death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, wife of National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro.

In a statement, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said Edith was more than a wife and mother.

“She was a pillar of unwavering strength, a silent warrior who endured the relentless storms of political life with grace and fortitude,” he said.

Asiimwe described her death in the early morning at 3:00 a.m. after a prolonged battle with cancer as a “profound national tragedy, exposing a hollowed-out judicial system weaponised to break families, crush dissent, and punish the innocent.”

He added, “No words can bridge the void left by Edith or dull the agony of being repeatedly denied the fundamental human right to hold her hand, offer comfort, and bid her farewell as she fought for her life.”

The Law Society condemned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Judiciary, particularly Magistrates Frank Namanya and Damalie Agumaasiimwe, accusing them of denying bail to Mr. Mufumbiro on bailable offences.

“How many more Ediths must Uganda bury before this system admits that incarcerating citizens on bailable offences, especially for legitimate political activity, is a dangerous scourge that erodes the rule of law, public trust, and basic human dignity?” Asiimwe said.

He also warned the courts, “Your courts are not extensions of the executive. Stop rubber-stamping these abusive remands. Uphold the Constitution you swore to defend. Grant bail where the law demands it. End the culture of selective justice that treats opposition figures as enemies of the state rather than citizens with inviolable rights.”

Asiimwe demanded the immediate release of Mr. Mufumbiro and all political prisoners.

“Let grieving families mourn and heal in peace. Enough is enough.”