Eddie Mutwe, a missing Ugandan opposition activist and bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, was brought to court on Monday, charged with robbery, and remanded to prison, his lawyer and Bobi Wine said. Mutwe, whose real name is Edward Ssebuufu, was abducted on April 27 near Kampala by armed men, according to the National Unity Platform (NUP), the opposition party he belongs to.
Last week, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief and the son of President Yoweri Museveni, claimed on social media that he had captured Mutwe, held him in his basement, and threatened violence. Kainerugaba is widely seen as a potential successor to his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
In a statement, Mutwe’s lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, said his client had been tortured during his detention, including being electrocuted daily. Mutwe, who appeared limping in court, has not received medical treatment, Kazibwe added.
Mutwe was charged with simple robbery and aggravated robbery in Masaka city, located about 140 km (87 miles) south of Kampala. Following the court appearance, he was remanded to prison. Bobi Wine confirmed the remand on social media.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission had called for Mutwe’s release on Friday, stating that his detention was unlawful. The Ugandan government has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.
Opponents of President Museveni and rights groups frequently accuse the government of committing human rights violations, including illegal detentions and abductions. The government denies these claims.
