Ugandans are expressing fury after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and the country’s top military official, confirmed via social media that he is holding Edward Sebuufu—better known as Eddie Mutwe—the personal bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Sebuufu had been missing since Sunday, when he was allegedly abducted by unidentified armed men in Kiwango. In a series of provocative posts on X (formerly Twitter), Gen Kainerugaba claimed Sebuufu was “in my basement” and published a photo of him looking disoriented, with a shaved head and bare torso.
The general’s language, including claims that Sebuufu had been captured “like a grasshopper” and was now “learning Runyankore” while in custody, triggered a national uproar. Critics say his comments are dehumanizing and amount to a public admission of illegal detention and possible torture.
The hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe has been trending across Uganda, with politicians, human rights groups, and the Uganda Law Society demanding the immediate release of the opposition bodyguard. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has called for a solidarity rally in Kampala on Friday, accusing Kainerugaba of “illegally holding, torturing, and dehumanizing” his aide.
Uganda’s security forces have yet to officially comment on Sebuufu’s whereabouts. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told local media he had no knowledge of Sebuufu being in police custody, raising further concerns about the legality and location of his detention.
Gen Kainerugaba, known for his erratic and controversial social media presence, has previously made inflammatory remarks—including threats against neighboring Kenya and opposition figures. Despite being a serving military officer, his political commentary continues unchecked, fueling speculation that he is being groomed to succeed his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
The Uganda Law Society warned that the case reflects a “systematic campaign to silence dissent,” while rights advocates fear an escalation in state repression ahead of the 2026 elections, where Bobi Wine plans to challenge President Museveni again.