Winnie Byanyima has criticized the court’s decision to deny bail to detained activist Waiswa Mufumbiro, preventing him from attending the burial of his wife.
In a strongly worded statement, Byanyima described the ruling as “cruel, inhuman, and deeply sad,” expressing concern over the impact on Mufumbiro’s family.
She noted that his children were left to bury their mother without their father present, a situation she said raises serious humanitarian questions.
Mufumbiro, who remains in custody over charges that have not been fully detailed publicly, had sought temporary release to participate in the burial rites.
His legal team had argued that the request was grounded in cultural and family obligations, which are widely respected across Ugandan society.
However, the court declined the application, citing reasons believed to be linked to the nature of the case and procedural considerations.
The decision has since drawn criticism from sections of civil society and political actors, who argue that courts should balance legal processes with compassion, particularly in cases involving bereavement.
Byanyima further framed the incident as part of a broader concern about governance and human rights in Uganda. “These are dark times for our country,” she said, calling on citizens to stand in solidarity with Mufumbiro’s family and others facing similar hardships.
She expressed hope that the country would overcome what she termed as oppression and lawlessness, maintaining that such conditions are temporary.The case continues to generate debate on the limits of judicial discretion and the place of humanitarian considerations within the justice system, particularly when detainees face personal loss while in custody.