Ugandans are expressing widespread outrage after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and current military chief, publicly confirmed he is holding Edward Sebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine. Mr. Sebuufu has been missing since Sunday, when he was allegedly abducted by men in both civilian clothing and military uniforms in the central town of Kiwango.
In a series of controversial posts on social media platform X, Gen Kainerugaba claimed Mr. Sebuufu was “in my basement” and shared a photo of him clean-shaven and appearing half-naked. He further mocked the situation, saying the opposition bodyguard had been captured “like a grasshopper” and was now “looking very smart” after having his beard shaved by his subordinates. He added that Sebuufu was learning Runyankore, a language from western Uganda, during his time in custody.
The general’s comments and apparent lack of legal justification have triggered public anger, with Ugandans rallying under the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand the immediate release of Mr. Sebuufu. Critics argue the general’s behavior violates the military’s code of conduct, and many fear the incident reflects increasing political repression ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Bobi Wine, who has declared his intention to challenge President Museveni once again, condemned the abduction, calling it illegal and dehumanizing. He announced a solidarity rally scheduled for Friday in Kampala to protest the detention, urging all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to unite against the growing trend of political abductions.
The Uganda Law Society has issued a strong statement demanding the release of Mr. Sebuufu and condemned the situation as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. The organization warned of the “dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression,” emphasizing that such incidents undermine the rule of law and democratic freedoms.
Despite Gen Kainerugaba’s social media admissions, he did not disclose the exact location where Mr. Sebuufu is being held, nor did he provide any legal grounds for his detention. The police have also not confirmed his custody, with police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stating that Mr. Sebuufu is not being held in any known police station.
Mr. Sebuufu has been arrested multiple times in the past and faced charges such as treason and illegal possession of ammunition—allegations the opposition insists are politically motivated. He has played a key role in Bobi Wine’s personal security, particularly during tense election periods marked by violent crackdowns on opposition supporters.
This latest development has heightened concerns about escalating political intimidation in Uganda, particularly as election campaigns begin to take shape. Government officials continue to accuse opposition leaders of inciting unrest by organizing unauthorized rallies, while critics argue that the state is using security forces to suppress legitimate political activity.
As public pressure mounts and international attention grows, many are calling on President Museveni to intervene and ensure legal accountability in the case of Eddie Mutwe, whose continued detention without due process is being viewed as a symbol of Uganda’s shrinking democratic space.
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