KAMPALA UGANDA: The wife of Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Edith Katende Mufumbiro, has passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer.

According to a statement released by Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, the president of the National Unity Platform, Edith died shortly after 3:00am on Wednesday. Her death comes at a particularly difficult time for the family, as her husband remains in detention at Luzira Upper Prison.

Family members and associates say Edith had been battling cancer for some time and was receiving treatment at the Mulago Cancer Institute. Her passing has sparked emotional reactions, especially as her husband was reportedly unable to be by her side in her final moments.

Waiswa, who is facing charges described by his supporters as “unlawful drilling,” has been in custody since February 2025. It is alleged that the charges stem from an incident said to have occurred at a party headquarters on February 12, 2025. However, his supporters maintain that on that day, he was attending to his ailing wife at Mulago Cancer Institute.

Efforts by Waiswa to secure bail have reportedly been unsuccessful, despite appeals to the court highlighting his wife’s critical condition at the time. His continued detention has drawn criticism from political allies, who describe the situation as both unjust and emotionally distressing.

The death of Edith Katende Mufumbiro leaves behind a grieving family, with calls for compassion and justice growing louder among supporters.

In a statement, Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform, expressed deep sorrow, saying the loss “hits differently” given what Waiswa has endured, and lamented what he described as the pain inflicted on many Ugandans.

As the family comes to terms with the loss, messages of condolence continue to pour in, with many expressing sympathy to Waiswa and his relatives during this difficult period.