Kampala, Uganda: Two Bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, were rearrested on Thursday, just minutes after a court appearance in Masaka and slapped with fresh charges at Kawempe Magistrates Court related to alleged military activities in Kampala.
Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddy Mutwe, and Achileo Kivumbi were whisked away “at breakneck speed in a drone” under heavy security from Masaka to Kampala, a move NUP officials describe as “an abuse of court processes to settle political scores.”
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, confirmed that the duo are now charged with unlawful drilling at Kawempe Magistrates Court, which he says is a continued persecution of opposition figures. “In due time, all this will be history,” Ssenyonyi said.
Earlier Proceedings in Masaka
Earlier today, the Masaka High Court had scheduled Friday, August 22, to rule on bail applications for Mutwe, Kivumbi, and two others, Mugumya Gadafi and Grace Wakabi. The four are battling multiple allegations, including aggravated robbery, four counts of simple robbery, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stemming from an incident at a burial in Manja village, Lwengo District, on 18 May 2024.
State Prosecution accuses the quartet and others at large of allegedly assaulting and robbing mourners, including two female journalists, during the incident.
Eddie Mutwe’s lawyer, Samuel Muyizi, argued for bail, presenting MP Goreth Namugga (Mawogola County) and businessman Charles Kirumira Lwanga as sureties. He emphasized that Mutwe has a fixed residence and no history of skipping bail.
But State prosecutor Caroline Namuwenge opposed the bail application, questioning the credibility of the sureties and citing national security concerns.
The rearrest and additional charges slapped on the duo have now heightened political tensions, with the opposition accusing the government of weaponising the justice system to target its members ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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