Masaka, Uganda –Edward Ssebufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe, the trusted bodyguard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, was abruptly dropped at Masaka High Court by plain-clothed operatives today, a week after he was reportedly abducted under mysterious circumstances in Mukono District.
The move done in secrecy and intimidation has raised serious concerns over the rule of law, transparency and the shrinking space for press freedom in Uganda.
A visibly disoriented Eddie Mutwe was seen being escorted into the Masaka court premises by unknown men in civilian attire.
There was no official handover, no prior communication with court authorities and no explanation offered to the public or media.
Minutes later, a plain-clothed man, identifying only as a “security operative,” ordered journalists and photographers to vacate the court premises.
“We have orders that you should not cover this case. We are sorry, our friends,” he said bluntly effectively blacking out the press from one of Uganda’s most politically sensitive cases.
Eddie Mutwe had been missing for seven days, with the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership accusing security agencies of abducting him.
The government offered no official explanation about his whereabouts until this sudden court appearance and even now, no formal charges have been announced.
His family, friends, and supporters have spent days in anguish, calling for transparency and accountability.
Bobi Wine, who has consistently sounded the alarm on what he terms “state-engineered kidnaps” of opposition members took to social media again following today’s events:
“Eddie Mutwe has been dumped at court like trash. A week after abduction. No explanation. No dignity. No justice. This is not law and order, this is terror.”
His statement mirrors the sentiment of many NUP supporters and human rights activists who say Uganda is steadily sliding into a dark age of authoritarianism where operatives operate in the shadows, beyond accountability.
The order to evict journalists from Masaka High Court has triggered condemnation across the media fraternity.
Uganda’s constitution guarantees public trials and press freedom but today’s suppression only deepens concerns about growing censorship, especially in politically charged cases.
“Why are the courts being militarised? Why is the press being gagged? What are they hiding?” asked Joan Kaggwa, a media rights activist. “This sets a dangerous precedent.”
While authorities have remained tight-lipped, human rights organizations continue to press for answers not just about Mutwe’s detention but the alarming rise in extrajudicial arrests and forced disappearances of political protestors particularly those affiliated with NUP.
Mutwe, known for his unwavering loyalty and resilience, has been arrested and allegedly tortured several times before. His story now mirrors a broader pattern that opposition figures say points to a systematic campaign of repression.
As court proceedings remain shrouded in secrecy, Mutwe’s legal team is expected to challenge the manner of his detention and demand his immediate release if no charges are pressed.
Also Read: NUP Supporters Rally for the Release of Eddie Mutwe In Jinja
