Kampala, Uganda: Three days now since the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) ordered his immediate release, Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the head of security for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, remains in military custody, a development that has yet again sparked an uproar from civil society and opposition voices.
The UHRC directive, issued last week, cited unconstitutional detention and demanded that the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, release Mutwe without delay. But as of Saturday afternoon, no action had been taken, and Mutwe’s whereabouts remain unknown to both his legal team and family.
In a joint statement on Saturday, human rights watchdogs, including Chapter Four Uganda, the Uganda Law Society (ULS), and the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), condemned the continued illegal detention, calling it “a brazen affront to constitutionalism and the rule of law.”
“This isn’t just defiance of a lawful order, it is a dangerous precedent where the military openly disregards independent constitutional bodies,” the rights activists said. “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ssebuufu in line with the UHRC’s directive.”
The National Unity Platform (NUP) also intensified its demands, accusing the state of abducting and torturing its members with impunity. “Eddie Mutwe is not missing. He is being held illegally. Gen. Muhoozi must be held accountable for this contempt,” said Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that the refusal to comply with the Commission’s order may amount to contempt of a quasi-judicial institution. “The Constitution is clear, once UHRC makes a directive, it must be respected. Continued detention without cause is not just unlawful, it is abduction,” noted a prominent lawyer, who asked not to be named in this story.
Eddie Mutwe was reportedly picked up by plain-clothed security operatives on the outskirts of Kampala over a week ago under unclear circumstances.
Despite public pressure, the army has remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying his detention.
UHRC officials say they are “closely monitoring compliance” and may consider escalating the matter if the military continues to ignore their orders.
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