KAMPALA.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has demanded the immediate release of Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the civilian bodyguard of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.
Ssebufu commonly known as Eddie Mutwe reportedly abducted in Mukono District on April 27 by security operatives in civilian clothes .
After Uganda Police saying they did not know Eddie Mutwe’s whereabouts , the First Son and Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba last Thursday posted on his microblogging site X ,formerly Twitter saying he was the one holding him in his “basement”.
In a series of posts, including one showing a half-naked Eddie Mutwe, Muhoozi, known for his demeaning, sometime annoying posts on X , said he (Eddie Mutwe) was learning Runyankore, a local dialect spoken mostly by people from the western Uganda .
But in a statement on May 4 ,2025, FDC Deputy Spokesperson Mr Richard Muyombya, asked Gen Muhoozi to ensure Ssebuufu’s release and respect for the rule of law.
“As the FDC party, we stand for justice, democracy, and human rights. We will not tolerate such abuses and will fight for the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights,” Mr Muyombya said.
He further called upon all Ugandans to rally behind the demand for justice and accountability.
“We call on all Ugandans to join us in demanding accountability and justice for Ssebuufu and all political prisoners and those affected by human rights violations.
We demand the swift release and safety of Ssebuufu, and a thorough and transparent investigation into his abduction must be conducted without delay. Those responsible must face the law,” he said.
Mr Muyombya condemned the continued pattern of human rights violations under the current regime.
“The FDC party strongly condemns the abduction and human rights violations of Eddy Mutwe and all others. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda enshrines fundamental rights that must be respected at all levels. Security agencies must operate within the bounds of the law,” he added.
“We demand the unconditional release of all individuals detained for political reasons, ensuring their rights to freedom of expression and association are respected.”
FDC’s statement comes days after Ms Mariam Wangadya ,the chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) issued a release order dated May 2, 2025 directing the CDF to cause the release of Eddie Mutwe from his custody failure of which would amount to contempt under Article 53(1) (d) of the Constitution.
“Whereas Edward Rogers Ssebuufu also known as Eddie Mutwe has been in your custody since 26th April, 2025 and whereas the Commission is satisfied that he is being unlawfully detained or restricted, this is to direct you to cause the immediate release of Edward Rogers Ssebuufu from your custody failure of which, you may be liable for contempt under Article 53(1) (d) of the Constitution,” reads part of Ms Wangadya’s release order.
But in what appears like a response to Ms Wangadya’s order ,Gen Muhoozi in one of his latest posts on X over the weekend said: “I will only release Eddie to Mzee ,when he gives me the order .He[Eddie ] would have learnt 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 ,” he posted
It remains to be seen whether Eddie Mutwe will soon regain his freedom or be arraigned in the General Court Martial for any crime ,as the State has done to other NUP supporters before.