This incident highlights the troubling intersection of military authority and political oppression in Uganda as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.
**Public Outrage as Uganda's Military Chief Reveals Detention of Opposition Bodyguard**
**Public Outrage as Uganda's Military Chief Reveals Detention of Opposition Bodyguard**
Uganda faces a growing backlash following the bizarre declaration by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding the detention of Eddie Sebuufu, bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
In a shocking revelation, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's long-serving president Yoweri Museveni, confirmed the detention of Eddie Sebuufu, better known as Eddie Mutwe, who has been missing since Sunday. Eyewitnesses reported that Sebuufu was forcibly taken by individuals in both civilian and military attire while in the town of Kiwango. His disappearance has triggered widespread anger among the Ugandan populace, as many have rallied under the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand his release.
Through a series of posts on social media platform X, Kainerugaba, who also holds the title of Uganda's military chief, claimed that Sebuufu was residing in his "basement." He attached a photograph showing the bodyguard with a clean-shaven head, further igniting public outrage. Critics of General Kainerugaba argue that his comments undermine military discipline, as he has a history of making politically charged statements that are controversial for a serving general.
In a notable incident, Kainerugaba previously caused a stir with comments about potentially invading neighboring Kenya, prompting a swift apology from President Museveni. Recently, he threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, with violence on social media, escalating tensions further. In addition to the recent controversy surrounding Sebuufu's detention, Kainerugaba's posts indicated that the bodyguard was "learning Runyankore" while in custody, and that he could only be released with his father's permission.
While Kainerugaba refrained from disclosing the legal grounds for Sebuufu's detention, local police stated they had no records of him being held. Bobi Wine condemned the actions taken against his bodyguard, alleging that Sebuufu was "violently abducted" and has called for a solidarity rally in Kampala to protest the situation. He emphasized the need for unity among Ugandans against the backdrop of political oppression and violence directed at opposition figures.
The Uganda Law Society has also chimed in, urging for Sebuufu's prompt release and characterizing his ordeal as symptomatic of a national strategy to silence dissent. The society stressed that the reported involvement of military forces in civil matters represents a dangerous blend of military power and political intimidation. Sebuufu has a troubling history of arrests, facing multiple politically motivated charges, which the opposition characterizes as attempts to undermine Bobi Wine's campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections.
As political mobilization heats up in Uganda, there are escalating fears about the ongoing targeting of dissenters and opposition supporters by security forces. The growing public unrest surrounding these incidents might set the stage for intense confrontations as the nation approaches a pivotal electoral cycle.
Through a series of posts on social media platform X, Kainerugaba, who also holds the title of Uganda's military chief, claimed that Sebuufu was residing in his "basement." He attached a photograph showing the bodyguard with a clean-shaven head, further igniting public outrage. Critics of General Kainerugaba argue that his comments undermine military discipline, as he has a history of making politically charged statements that are controversial for a serving general.
In a notable incident, Kainerugaba previously caused a stir with comments about potentially invading neighboring Kenya, prompting a swift apology from President Museveni. Recently, he threatened opposition leader Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, with violence on social media, escalating tensions further. In addition to the recent controversy surrounding Sebuufu's detention, Kainerugaba's posts indicated that the bodyguard was "learning Runyankore" while in custody, and that he could only be released with his father's permission.
While Kainerugaba refrained from disclosing the legal grounds for Sebuufu's detention, local police stated they had no records of him being held. Bobi Wine condemned the actions taken against his bodyguard, alleging that Sebuufu was "violently abducted" and has called for a solidarity rally in Kampala to protest the situation. He emphasized the need for unity among Ugandans against the backdrop of political oppression and violence directed at opposition figures.
The Uganda Law Society has also chimed in, urging for Sebuufu's prompt release and characterizing his ordeal as symptomatic of a national strategy to silence dissent. The society stressed that the reported involvement of military forces in civil matters represents a dangerous blend of military power and political intimidation. Sebuufu has a troubling history of arrests, facing multiple politically motivated charges, which the opposition characterizes as attempts to undermine Bobi Wine's campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections.
As political mobilization heats up in Uganda, there are escalating fears about the ongoing targeting of dissenters and opposition supporters by security forces. The growing public unrest surrounding these incidents might set the stage for intense confrontations as the nation approaches a pivotal electoral cycle.
