By KT Reporter
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has written to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), asking for the immediate release of Edward Rodgers Ssebuufu. In a release order dated 2nd May 2025, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya directed Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, immediately.
Eddie Mutwe, a personal bodyguard to Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has been under military detention since 26th April 2025. He was allegedly detained for abducting security operatives in plain clothes. On Thursday, the Chief of Defence Forces confirmed via his personal X handle that Ssebuufu was in military detention.
Wangadya’s release order cited article 53(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and rule 31 of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (Procedure Rules). “This is to direct you to cause the immediate release of Edward Rodgers Ssebuufu from your custody; failure to do so may result in contempt charges under article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution,” Wangadya warned. The CDF acknowledged receipt of the order on 2nd May 2025.
As of the filing of this report, Ssebuufu had not been released. Muhoozi, on his personal X handle, stated, “I will only release Eddie to Mzee when he gives me the order. He will have learned the history of NRA/UPDF by then and will understand that NRM is a party that represents the whole country. It can never be defeated.”
Meanwhile, a picture of Ssebuufu began circulating on social media on Friday, showing that his beard appeared to have been shaved while in detention. Asiimwe Anthony, Vice President of the Radical New Bar of the Uganda Law Society, condemned the abduction and incommunicado detention of Ssebuufu. He emphasized that Ssebuufu’s case was not isolated but part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of those yearning for freedom.
Ssebuufu’s disappearance sparked widespread concern on social media, with the opposition party demanding his immediate release. They accused the government of continued political persecution. NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi stated, “Eddie Mutwe was taken without a warrant, without any explanation. We feared for his safety. It’s clear the state is using illegal detentions to silence opposition voices.” Days after Ssebuufu’s abduction, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son and CDF, admitted via his X account that he had detained him in his basement, claiming the intention was to teach him Runyankole. He posted a picture of Ssebuufu as confirmation. In its release order, the UHRC confirmed that Mutwe’s detention was unlawful, stating that no legal grounds had been provided for his continued confinement by the military.
“The Commission is satisfied that he is being unlawfully detained or restricted,” the letter stated, adding that failure to comply with the release directive could result in contempt under the Constitution. As the statutory custodian and overseer of human rights observance in the country, the UHRC now awaits a response from the CDF, which has previously ignored such orders, including summonses from parliamentary committees-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
