The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has issued a formal release order demanding the immediate release of Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, from military detention.
Mutwe, the bodyguard for National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine, has been in custody since April 27, 2025.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Thursday night said Mutwe was under military detention.
In a Friday directive to the CDF, UHRC said it is satisfied that Ssebuufu is being unlawfully detained or restricted.
“This is to direct you to cause the immediate release of Edward Rogers Ssebuufu from your custody, failure of which, you may be liable for contempt under Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution,” UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya said in the release order.
It remains to be seen if the order will be implemented by the Chief of Defence Forces who earlier said he had no plans of releasing Mutwe soon.
“I can’t release Eddie now. It will be unfair to me and him. He is learning Runyankore and we are both training for Kabobi,” he posted on his X.
Several Ugandans have condemned the detention.
Uganda Law Society on Friday afternoon said Mutwe was never arrested but rather abducted, condemning his continued torture.
“This is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent. The reported involvement of top military officials underscores a dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression,” Asiimwe said.
The ULS demanded the immediate unconditional release of Eddie Mutwe and all political prisoners.
“We demand an impartial international investigation into the allegations of torture, abductions and disinformation campaigns with accountability for perpetuators including high-ranking officials.”
The lawyers’ body also called for an end to the use of incommunicado detention, torture and extrajudicial harassment as tools of political control.
