General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s long-serving president and a senior military figure, has ignited widespread backlash after confirming the detention of Edward Sebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, who had been missing for five days.
Sebuufu was reportedly abducted on Sunday, April 27, in the central Ugandan town of Kiwango by individuals in both plain clothes and military fatigues. His sudden disappearance prompted public outrage, with social media platforms flooded by the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe as calls mounted for his immediate release.
In a string of provocative posts on X, Gen Kainerugaba claimed Sebuufu was “in my basement”, sharing an image of the bodyguard with a clean-shaven head. He further insinuated that the detainee had been “disciplined”, prompting grave concern about Sebuufu’s treatment and well-being while in custody.
Adding to the alarm, the general later posted another photo showing Sebuufu partially undressed, and threatened to castrate him. These remarks have fueled a firestorm across the nation and beyond, with critics accusing Gen Kainerugaba of not only acting outside the law but also abusing military power for personal or political vendettas.
Bobi Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, responded by stating Sebuufu was “violently abducted” by armed men using a van known locally as a “drone,” often associated with disappearances and extrajudicial detentions. According to Wine, the bodyguard was taken to an undisclosed location and denied access to legal representation.
While security agencies have been tight-lipped, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday that he had “no knowledge” of Sebuufu being held at any known police facility. No formal charges have been disclosed, nor has any official agency taken responsibility for the detention.
Public Demands Eddie Mutwe’s Release
In the absence of a clear legal justification, Uganda’s opposition and legal community have condemned the detention. The Uganda Law Society released a strongly worded statement describing Sebuufu’s ordeal as “part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of people yearning for freedom”.
They further warned that the incident illustrates a “dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression”, particularly given the general’s refusal to release Sebuufu without instructions from his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
This is not the first time Gen Kainerugaba has courted controversy. His erratic use of social media and frequent political outbursts have raised alarms within Uganda and across the region. In 2022, he notoriously tweeted about invading neighboring Kenya, prompting an apology from President Museveni. More recently, he caused outrage by threatening to “behead” Bobi Wine.
Despite these incidents, Kainerugaba continues to operate with impunity, sparking fears about the increasing militarization of Ugandan politics. Critics have long argued that his public behavior undermines the neutrality expected of military officers and hints at broader plans to position him as a successor to the presidency — a claim Museveni has publicly denied.
Bobi Wine, who intends to run against President Museveni in the 2026 elections, has been routinely obstructed from holding political rallies, and his supporters, including Sebuufu, have faced repeated harassment.
Sebuufu has previously been arrested and charged with treason and illegal possession of ammunition — charges opposition leaders claim are politically motivated. His role as the head of Wine’s security detail has made him a frequent target during elections and mobilization campaigns.
In response to the current crisis, Bobi Wine has called for a “solidarity” rally in Kampala on Friday, May 2, inviting all citizens to unite against what he described as the “illegal holding, torturing, and dehumanizing” of his bodyguard.
“This is a non-partisan opportunity to unite. Friends of Eddie and other Ugandans of good conscience, let us come together in solidarity not just with Eddie but all political prisoners!”
Bobi Wine
Meanwhile, government officials continue to blame the opposition for civil unrest, accusing them of organizing unauthorized rallies.
