By Kabuye Ronald
Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe and serving as the chief civilian bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), broke down emotionally in a Masaka courtroom as he recounted alleged torture during his recent detention.
Appearing before Masaka Grade One Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza, a visibly weak and distressed Mutwe revealed what he described as marks of physical abuse sustained while in custody. Pleading for urgent medical intervention, he told the court, “I take 12 painkillers a day… I’m dying from the pain. If they must cut off my arms, let it be done.”
Mutwe was charged last month with both simple and aggravated robbery related to an incident in Manja village, Lwengo District. He was allegedly abducted on March 26, 2025, and detained in a military facility.
According to Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Mutwe was seized in Mukono by unidentified armed men driving a Toyota Hiace van, locally referred to as a “drone.” His disappearance came days before the anticipated launch of a youth mobilization campaign, the “Youth Protest Vote,” which had been scheduled for April 28, 2025, at the NUP headquarters.
A week after his disappearance, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) intervened, issuing a directive to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba demanding Mutwe’s immediate release. The Commission labeled his detention unlawful and warned of potential contempt charges under Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution.
Commenting about today’s event, Bobi Wine said “Several days after he was released from Museveni’s son’s torture chambers, our comrade Eddie Mutwe still bears torture marks! This criminality will never go unpunished. The wheels of justice may be slow, but they will surely arrive. #FreeUganda”
In a formal letter signed by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, the Commission stated:
“Whereas Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, has been in your custody since April 26, 2025, and whereas the Commission is satisfied that he is being unlawfully detained or restricted, this is to direct you to cause his immediate release from your custody, failure of which you may be liable for contempt under Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution.”
Article 53 of Uganda’s Constitution empowers the UHRC to issue binding orders, compel testimony, and investigate human rights abuses a mandate it now appears determined to exercise in Mutwe’s case.
Eddie Mutwe was remanded to Luzira prison
