Edward Sebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe and longtime bodyguard of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, has been charged with aggravated and simple robbery, days after his forcible disappearance and alleged torture sparked national and international outrage.
Sebuufu reappeared in public on Monday, nearly a week after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—Uganda’s army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni—admitted on social media that he had detained him. The general had earlier stated he intended to “castrate” the opposition figure, boasting that Sebuufu had been forcibly shaved while in custody. Appearing in court barefoot and visibly unable to walk, Sebuufu was shielded by security operatives to prevent media exposure. Despite their efforts, videos circulated online showing his frail condition, prompting fresh condemnation from rights groups, opposition leaders, and Uganda’s Human Rights Commission, which demanded his immediate release.
His lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, told reporters and the Daily Monitor newspaper that Sebuufu had been electrocuted, beaten with electric wires, and suffered severe physical abuse including genital torture, leaving him in “great pain.” The legal team is arranging for his hospitalization and exploring legal redress for human rights violations. Authorities claim the charges stem from a robbery incident in Lwengo District, though no detailed evidence has been provided. Critics say the accusations are politically motivated.
Bobi Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, has faced ongoing repression since emerging as a popular challenger to Museveni. The latest incident has fueled fears that Uganda’s security apparatus is escalating efforts to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the 2026 general election, where Museveni is expected to seek a seventh term after nearly 40 years in power. Civil society groups say Sebuufu’s detention is part of a broader campaign to silence dissent through arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and abuse. The government, however, accuses opposition leaders of staging unauthorized rallies that incite clashes with law enforcement.
