By Aggrey Baba
Edward Ssebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe and serving as the chief bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, delivered a harrowing testimony in Masaka court, Tuesday, detailing severe torture he claims to have endured while in military custody.
Appearing visibly frail and bearing evident injuries, he recounted his ordeal before Grade One Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza. “I take 12 painkillers every day. I feel like I am dying. If they must cut off my arms, let it be done so that I can be relieved. I’m dying from pain,” he stated, before breaking down.
Ssebuufu was arrested on April 27 in Mukono, by unidentified armed men. Days later, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, publicly acknowledged detaining Mutwe, posting on social media that he had captured him “like a grasshopper” and was “using him as a punching bag.”
During his recent court appearance, the muscular body guard revealed that he had been electrocuted, beaten, and subjected to other forms of torture while held in a private basement by masked individuals.
He emphasized that, despite a court order for specialized medical treatment, he has only been provided with painkillers since his detention.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission previously issued an official release order for Mutwe, declaring his detention unlawful. However, the military dismissed the order.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao condemned the alleged torture and illegal detention, stating, “Bringing illegally detained, brutalized and tortured suspects before the courts is an abuse of judicial processes, and should be roundly condemned.”
Mutwe faces multiple charges, including robbery, assault, and malicious damage to property, stemming from an alleged incident during a procession following the burial of former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.
The court session was marked by heightened security, with journalists barred from entering the courtroom. Supporters of the National Unity Platform gathered outside to show solidarity.
The case has intensified concerns over human rights abuses in Uganda, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
Human rights organizations have long accused the Ugandan government of targeting opposition figures through abductions and illegal detentions.
The High Court is expected to resume on Wednesday (tomorrow) to hear bail arguments and receive medical reports on the body guard’s condition. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
