Masaka, Uganda: The head of security for National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, Mr. Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe, has been formally charged with aggravated robbery and remanded to prison amid harrowing torture allegations.
Eddie Mutwe, who had been missing for over a week following an abduction by security operatives in Mukono, was on Monday afternoon (May 6) dropped off at the Masaka High Court premises in a private salon car under tight security and was immediately arraigned before Masaka Grade One Magistrate, Mr. Abdallah Kayiza, who read out the charges but did not allow the accused to take plea.
According to Court documents, Eddie Mutwe, the fourth of Bobi Wine’s bodyguards to be arrested, is facing charges of both simple and aggravated robbery allegedly committed on May 18, 2024, in Manja Cell, Kisekka Sub-County, Lwengo District, during the burial of Pascal Ssekasamba.
He is charged alongside NUP’s security aide Achilleo Kivumbi and three others—Gadafi Mugumya, Grace Wakabi Smart, and another yet to be identified—who have been on remand since February on similar charges.
State prosecution contends that the group allegedly robbed Radio Simba journalist Margret Kayondo of her green sweater and Camon 12 mobile phone worth Shs 730,000. They also reportedly assaulted NBS TV’s Zainab Namusaazi and damaged her video camera valued at Shs 1.5 million. The attackers allegedly used sticks and sharp knives during the robbery.
The same group is also accused of stealing Shs 200,000 from Rodgers Mulungi and John Mukalaazi, as well as assaulting Drake Lubega and Haruna Ssekitto, from whom they allegedly stole another phone.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the court session, Eddie Mutwe’s lawyer Magellan Kazibwe expressed shock at the condition of his client, revealing that he had been subjected to prolonged and severe torture during his detention.
“He has been severely tortured. He told me they beat him five times a day with wires, electrocuted him, and squeezed his private parts. He is in intense pain and has not received any medical treatment,” Kazibwe told reporters.
He added that Mr Sebuufu was in “great pain” and had also faced the squeezing of his “private parts”.
He was remanded to Masaka Main Prison, with further proceedings expected in the coming days.
The shocking revelations come after days of public outcry and pressure from rights watchdogs and political groups demanding Eddie Mutwe’s release following his enforced disappearance.
Last week, the First Son and Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba admitted via social media platform X, that Eddie Mutwe was being held under his watch, claiming the NUP bodyguard was made to salute the president’s portrait daily before breakfast.
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