Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief civilian bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) has broke down in court as he revealed physical harm allegedly inflicted upon him during detention.
Appearing before Masaka Grade One Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza, the visibly frail and distressed bodyguard displayed what he claimed were torture marks and pleaded for urgent specialized medical care.
“I take 12 painkillers a day… I’m dying from the pain. If they must cut off my arms, let it be done,” Mutwe told the court.
Last month, Mutwe was charged with simple and aggravated robbery following an incident in Manja village, Lwengo District. He was reportedly abducted on March 26, 2025, and held in military custody.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi said Mutwe was abducted in Mukono by unidentified armed men traveling in a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a “drone.”
His abduction reportedly occurred ahead of the planned launch of a youth protest campaign, dubbed the “Youth Protest Vote,” which was scheduled for April 28, 2025, at the NUP headquarters.
A week after his disappearance, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) issued a formal directive ordering Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release Mutwe immediately, citing unlawful detention. The Commission warned that noncompliance could lead to contempt charges under the Constitution.
In a 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(1)(d) of the Ugandan Constitution empowers the UHRC to issue orders equivalent to those of a court, including summoning individuals, requiring the production of documents, and investigating alleged human rights violations.
