General Muhoozi Kainerugaba's confirmation of holding Eddie Mutwe, the bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine, has sparked public outrage in Uganda. Amid growing fears over political oppression, citizens demand Mutwe's release, highlighting the troubling dynamics between military power and dissent.
Outrage as President's Son Admits Detaining Opposition Bodyguard in Uganda
Outrage as President's Son Admits Detaining Opposition Bodyguard in Uganda
The detention of Eddie Mutwe, bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, has drawn condemnation and calls for action across Uganda, as his whereabouts remain unknown since last Sunday.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, has confirmed the detention of Eddie Sebuufu, known as Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard for opposition leader Bobi Wine. Mutwe has been missing for five days following his abduction from Kiwango by individuals in both civilian clothes and military attire. Kainerugaba's social media posts, revealing that Mutwe was “in my basement,” have provoked widespread anger, leading to citizens trending the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe in calls for his liberation.
The general’s remarks drew ire as he shared a photo of Mutwe, claiming the bodyguard was “looking very smart” after a shaved head, which ignited fury and accusations of inhumane treatment. Critics argue that Kainerugaba's habitual political commentary violates military codes of conduct.
The 51-year-old army general, often seen as a potential successor to his father, has previously elicited controversy over his provocative statements, including threatening to invade neighboring Kenya and making aggressive comments toward political foes. Bobi Wine, in his appeals for support, accused Kainerugaba of illegally detaining, torturing, and dehumanizing members of the opposition, urging a solidarity rally in Kampala to address concerns surrounding political prisoners.
Despite local reports documenting the abduction, the police spokesperson claimed ignorance of Mutwe's status, compounding fears of systematic silencing of dissent. The Uganda Law Society has condemned the ongoing political oppression, suggesting an alarming connection between military force and political suppression across the nation.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, concerns are mounting regarding the harassment of opposition figures, with Mutwe's fate representing a troubling trend of escalating hostility towards political dissenters. Bobi Wine aims to challenge Museveni once more, but the threat posed to his supporters raises significant questions about the dire state of political freedom in Uganda.
