Mufumbiro: Bobi Wine urges Ugandans to rise up

burial

National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has called on Ugandans to rise up and demand the full observance of human rights in the country.

Kyagulanyi, currently in exile, delivered his message via Zoom on Saturday during the burial of Edith Katende Mufumbiro, the wife of jailed NUP deputy spokesperson, Alex Mufumbiro, who was denied temporary burial to attend her funeral.

He urged citizens to remain resolute in demanding equitable human rights protections, arguing that true freedom must extend to all Ugandans. Katende succumbedto breast cancer early last week and was laid to rest in Busiiro village, Waibuga sub-county, in Luuka district.

Kyagulanyi emphasised that respect for human rights is a cornerstone of any progressive society, noting that Ugandans have the agency to challenge what he described as widespread and unchecked abuses.

“The last hope for Ugandans would have been the Judiciary; however, some courts have started exercising double standards in the execution of their duties. How could a court deny a husband the right to seek treatment for his wife and to give her a dignified final send-off?” he said.

“No one is truly free until everyone is free.”

Referring to Katende’s deteriorating health during her husband’s prolonged detention, Kyagulanyi argued that the continued incarceration of NUP supporters without trial is contributing to family breakdowns, as breadwinners are unable to provide for their dependents.

“Edith reminds me of all the political prisoners whose only crime is participating in the struggle for fundamental change in this country,” he said.

“Some have been on remand for more than five years without trial, leaving their families distressed.”

Edith Mufumbiro’s burial

NUP acting president, Lina Zedriga, said the realisation of human rights requires unity among Ugandans.

“When we come together, we define the rules, and meaningful change becomes possible,” she said, adding that such unity would strengthen the independence of the three arms of government and ensure they serve the public good rather than compete for dominance.

Meanwhile, the Bishop Emeritus of Busoga Diocese, Paul Naimanhe, called for spiritual intervention alongside legal efforts.

Citing the biblical account in Acts 12:1–6, Naimanhe noted that every generation faces its own oppressors but emphasised that persistent prayer can yield deliverance. He urged believers to complement legal advocacy with prayer for the release of political detainees held without trial.