Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned what it described as the abduction and torture of Edward Ssebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe, chief bodyguard to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
In a statement issued this week, the legal body demanded Mutwe’s immediate and unconditional release, describing his incommunicado detention since April 27 as a blatant violation of constitutional rights and international human rights norms.
The ULS said it was deeply concerned by credible reports indicating that Mutwe has been subjected to torture, allegedly at the hands of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) operatives.
“This is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent,” said Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society.
“The reported involvement of top military officials underscores a dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression.”
The statement urged the Ugandan government to end arbitrary detentions, release all political prisoners, and account for the whereabouts of those held incommunicado.
It also called for an impartial international investigation into the rising reports of torture, enforced disappearances, and targeted disinformation campaigns.
According to ULS, the continued repression of opposition figures and activists poses a threat to the rule of law and democratic space ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Society appealed to the international community to take a firmer stance, recommending targeted diplomatic pressure and increased support for human rights defenders in Uganda.
Mutwe’s case has triggered widespread condemnation from civil society organisations and opposition leaders, many of whom say the state is using security forces to intimidate critics.
His disappearance and subsequent appearance in disturbing images have intensified public scrutiny of the UPDF and its elite Special Forces Command (SFC).
A post shared on the verified X (formerly Twitter) handle of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to confirm Mutwe’s detention. The post claimed that SFC operatives were holding Mutwe in a basement in Makindye.
It was accompanied by images showing Mutwe with a shaved head, visibly distressed.
The message also mocked Mutwe, alleging that he was being forced to learn Runyankore, and warned Kyagulanyi that he would face the same fate.
“And nothing you can do to me. So you Bobi Wine, you’re next… he backed!” the post read in part.
The Uganda Law Society pledged to continue advocating for Mutwe and others in similar circumstances, including mobilising legal and international support to hold perpetrators accountable.
“We shall not relent until justice is delivered,” Asiimwe said.
As of press time, Ugandan authorities had not issued an official response to the ULS statement or the content of the viral social media post.
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