KAMPALA, UGANDA — Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, has been formally charged with aggravated robbery, following his detention by the military.
This development comes after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni’s son, confirmed he had been holding Mr. Mutwe, whose real name is Edward Sebuufu, for five days after his disappearance.
Magellan Kazibwe, Mr. Sebuufu’s legal representative, has alleged that his client endured severe torture during his detention. Speaking to Vivid Voice News, Mr. Kazibwe reported that Mr. Sebuufu was subjected to beatings with “wires of electricity.”
He further stated that his client was in “great pain” and had also suffered the squeezing of his “private parts.” Mr. Kazibwe informed reporters that Mr. Sebuufu had been electrocuted and that his legal team intended to have him hospitalized.
During Mr. Sebuufu’s court appearance on Monday, security personnel attempted to obstruct media access. However, video footage revealed him barefoot and struggling to walk.
General Kainerugaba had previously posted on social media confirming Mr. Sebuufu’s custody, stating that the bodyguard had been shaved and that he intended to castrate him.
This detention occurs as Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections, in which President Museveni, who has held power for nearly four decades, is expected to face Bobi Wine.
Human rights activists have widely condemned Mr. Sebuufu’s detention, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission has called for his immediate release.
Civil society organizations have also warned that his detention is part of a calculated campaign to suppress dissent and dismantle opposition forces ahead of the general election.
The government, however, attributes civilian and police clashes to the opposition, accusing them of holding unauthorized rallies.
Mr. Kazibwe also revealed that, in addition to aggravated robbery, Mr. Sebuufu faces charges of simple robbery related to an alleged incident in Lwengo District.
