Eddie Mutwe, a prominent Ugandan opposition activist and chief bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine, was produced in court on Monday, days after vanishing under controversial circumstances.
Mutwe, whose real name is Edward Ssebuufu, appeared visibly weak and limping, supported by two individuals as he faced charges of simple and aggravated robbery at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Masaka, roughly 140 kilometers south of Kampala.
His party says he was abducted on April 27 near the capital by armed men. Days later, Uganda’s military chief and presidential son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, posted on X (formerly Twitter), boasting about capturing Mutwe “like a grasshopper” and detaining him in his basement — sparking outrage and concern.
Speaking to reporters outside court, Mutwe’s lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, revealed that his client had endured daily torture, including electrocution, and was denied medical attention. “He is in great pain… he has not accessed any doctor,” Kazibwe said.
Despite mounting pressure, including a demand from the Uganda Human Rights Commission on Friday for his release over unlawful detention, Mutwe was remanded to prison after the court hearing. The government has not publicly responded to allegations regarding Kainerugaba’s involvement or Mutwe’s treatment.
Mutwe’s reappearance and the claims of torture come amid rising tensions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, with critics accusing President Yoweri Museveni’s government of stifling opposition through abductions and illegal detentions — charges officials routinely deny.
The 80-year-old Museveni has been in power since 1986 and is widely expected to run for re-election next year, while his son Muhoozi is seen by many as being groomed to eventually succeed him.
