KAMPALA, UGANDA | May 3, 2025 — Tensions are rising in Uganda after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the powerful son of President Yoweri Museveni, confirmed the detention of Edward Sebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, the personal bodyguard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
Sebuufu had been missing since Sunday, with witnesses reporting he was abducted in Kiwango, a town in central Uganda, by unidentified men in a combination of military and civilian clothing. His sudden disappearance sparked widespread concern about his safety and fueled allegations of political persecution.
Confirmed by the President’s Son on Social Media
On Thursday night, General Muhoozi took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted disturbing images of Sebuufu in custody, appearing clean-shaven and shirtless. In a series of controversial tweets, the general mocked Sebuufu, saying he was “in my basement” and even threatened acts of violence.
“We caught him like a grasshopper,” he posted, adding that Sebuufu was now “learning Runyankore” – the language spoken in Uganda’s western region, home to the Museveni family.
These posts have triggered national outrage. The hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe quickly began trending on social media, with thousands calling for his immediate release.
No Legal Grounds for Detention
As of today, Ugandan security forces have not confirmed any formal charges or legal justification for Sebuufu’s detention. The police claim to have no record of him in their custody.
This apparent extrajudicial detention has drawn strong condemnation from civil society groups, including the Uganda Law Society, which released a statement warning that Sebuufu’s case is “part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent.”
“We are seeing a dangerous merging of military power and political oppression,” the statement read.
Bobi Wine Responds: ‘This Is About Every Ugandan’
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, who has already announced his intention to run against President Museveni in the 2026 election, slammed the detention of his bodyguard and accused Gen Muhoozi of abuse of power and political thuggery.
He revealed that security forces had also raided the headquarters of his National Unity Platform (NUP) party following the general’s viral tweets.
“This is a non-partisan moment,” Wine said in a post on X. “Every Ugandan who believes in democracy must stand in solidarity—not just with Eddie, but with all political prisoners.”
A Pattern of Harassment and Crackdowns
Sebuufu has been arrested several times in the past, often during election periods or opposition rallies. He has faced charges including treason and illegal possession of firearms, which the opposition has consistently claimed are politically motivated.
Human rights groups warn that such arrests are becoming more common as Uganda inches closer to the 2026 general election.
Muhoozi’s Long History of Controversy
General Muhoozi, 51, currently serves as the Commander of the Defence Forces and has long drawn criticism for using social media to make political threats—despite being a serving military officer.
In 2022, he sparked international backlash after tweeting about invading neighboring Kenya, prompting an official apology from President Museveni. More recently, he threatened to behead Bobi Wine in another incendiary tweet.
Though Museveni has denied grooming his son as a successor, Muhoozi’s increasing influence in politics, combined with these public actions, continue to fuel succession speculation.
What’s Next?
At the time of writing, Eddie Mutwe’s whereabouts remain unclear, and calls for his release continue to grow louder. Many Ugandans fear that this incident could mark an escalation in state-led intimidation tactics.
Stay with Bloghear.com for continuing updates on this developing story.
