A bodyguard for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has been formally charged with aggravated robbery, days after it was confirmed he was being held by the head of the military.
Eddie Mutwe, whose real name is Edward Sebuufu, was brought before a court on Monday. This followed his detention, which was confirmed last week by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni’s son, five days after Mr. Sebuufu’s disappearance.
Mr. Sebuufu’s lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, alleged that his client had been subjected to torture during his detention. Speaking to the Daily Monitor newspaper, Mr. Kazibwe claimed that Mr. Sebuufu was beaten with “wires of electricity” and that his “private parts” were squeezed. He described his client as being in “great pain” and stated that they planned to take him to hospital.
As Mr. Sebuufu was brought to court, security personnel attempted to shield him from the media. However, videos showed him barefoot and struggling to walk.
Gen Kainerugaba had previously posted on social media that Mr. Sebuufu was in his custody, stating that the bodyguard had been shaved and that he intended to castrate him.
The detention comes as Uganda prepares for elections in 2026, where President Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades, is expected to face Bobi Wine.
Human rights groups have long accused the Ugandan authorities of targeting the opposition, particularly in the lead-up to elections. Several activists have condemned Mr. Sebuufu’s detention, and Uganda’s Human Rights Commission called for his immediate release. Civil society organizations have also warned that his detention is part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and suppress opposition ahead of the general election.
The Ugandan government, however, blames the opposition for clashes between civilians and police, claiming they hold rallies without permission.
Lawyer Magellan Kazibwe also stated that Mr. Sebuufu faces an additional charge of simple robbery, related to an alleged incident in Lwengo District.
Add Comment