Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly confirmed that Edward Ssebufu—better known as Eddie Mutwe—the personal bodyguard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, is in military custody.
Mutwe had been reported missing since Sunday evening, after being allegedly abducted by men in both plainclothes and military fatigues at Kiwango trading centre in Mukono Municipality.
In a series of controversial posts on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gen Muhoozi said that Mutwe is being held by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). However, he did not provide any legal basis for the detention or specify any charges against him.
“He is in my basement. Learning Runyankore. You [Bobi Wine] are next!” Gen Muhoozi wrote, in one of several posts that have drawn sharp criticism. Other messages appeared to mock Mutwe’s physical appearance, his ethnic background, and hinted at mistreatment.
One post read: “I captured NUP’s military commander like a grasshopper (Nsenene). If they keep on provoking us, we shall discipline them even more.”
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The comments have sparked concern from human rights observers and opposition figures, who point to an escalating pattern of politically motivated detentions.
Mutwe was reportedly abducted shortly after attending a meeting in Namweezi village, close to Kiwango trading centre. Witnesses say unidentified men approached and took him away in an unmarked vehicle.
Robert Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has since demanded his bodyguard’s immediate release, calling the arrest unlawful and politically charged.
Gen Muhoozi, in further posts, dismissed the criticism and made additional remarks about Mutwe’s treatment in custody. “Eddie is looking very smart these days. The boys have tuned him well,” he wrote. “He salutes Mzee’s picture every day before breakfast.” He added that Mutwe’s beard had been shaved off and appeared to reference moments of humiliation.
In one of the most alarming statements, Gen Muhoozi threatened further action against Kyagulanyi, writing: “Next is Kabobi! I have never joked in my life.”
The developments come amid a recent shake-up within the military’s intelligence leadership. Maj Gen James Birungi was recently replaced by Maj Gen Richard Otto as head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), signalling changes in the UPDF’s internal security approach.
There has been no official comment from the Ministry of Defence or police regarding the legality of Mutwe’s detention, nor confirmation of his physical condition or whereabouts beyond Gen Muhoozi’s posts.
