KAMPALA, UGANDA — Emotional scenes unfolded at Masaka court on Tuesday 20, May 2025 as Edward Ssebuufu, known as Eddie Mutwe, the security head for National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, appeared before Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza.
Mutwe faces charges including aggravated robbery, four counts of simple robbery, and assault causing actual bodily harm, all stemming from a political altercation at a burial in Mmanja village, Lwengo district, last year.
Appearing frail and visibly shaken, Mutwe entered the courtroom on crutches, wrapped in a shawl. He raised his arms to reveal scars, which he attributed to torture during military detention, moving family and supporters to tears.
“I have a lot of pain. I urgently need serious medical attention because my situation has been worsening, and the Masaka prison authorities have since failed to manage it,” Mutwe pleaded with the magistrate.
He testified that he requires 12 painkillers daily to manage persistent pain from his injuries. His lawyers, Samuel Muyizi and Magellan Kazibwe, requested the court to defer the committal process for specialized medical and psychiatric care.
“The necessary specialised treatment is not available in Masaka Central Prison. Since his remand, he has received no medication besides painkillers. Today, he could hardly follow the court proceedings,” Muyizi stated.
Mutwe’s co-accused, Achilleo Kivumbi, Mugumya Gadafi, and Grace Wakabi, have been on remand since November 2024. The prosecution alleges they assaulted and robbed mourners, including two journalists covering the burial. State attorney Moses Wasereka opposed delaying the trial, asserting investigations were complete.
Magistrate Kayiza ruled in favor of the state, ordering Mutwe’s committal to the High Court for trial.
“Since the committal papers are ready, this court finds it proper to send the accused person to the High Court. You can proceed and make your prayers before that court when you appear,” the magistrate ruled. He also ordered Mutwe’s transfer to Murchison Bay Prison for medical care.
Mutwe’s lawyers vowed to challenge the committal and file a bail application, citing his deteriorating physical and psychological condition.
“Today, it was very clear Edward Ssebuufu was in the condition where he could not appreciate what was happening, not following save for his lawyers following on his behalf,” Muyizi emphasized.
“So he made two specific prayers. One, that committal should be deferred to such a time when he can appreciate court proceedings. That was denied. The second prayer was for him to obtain specialised medical attention. We’re talking about both medical and psychiatric help. His biggest problem is actually psychological. It is very apparent. That is going to form a basis for our application for bail,” he added.
Mutwe’s appearance has heightened concerns over state abductions, torture, and incommunicado detention, drawing condemnation from human rights groups and opposition leaders.
