Outrage in Uganda Over Detention of Opposition Bodyguard by President's Son

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda faces criticism after revealing he is holding opposition bodyguard Eddie Mutwe, who has been missing for five days, prompting calls for his release amid rising political tensions.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s president, has confirmed the unsettling detention of Eddie Mutwe, an opposition bodyguard who has been unaccounted for since Sunday. Mutwe, also known as Edward Sebuufu, was reportedly taken by unidentified individuals in civilian and military attire in Kiwango, igniting public outrage across the nation. The general, who also serves as the military chief, took to social media to boast about the detention, posting a photo of the clean-shaven Sebuufu while stating he was "in my basement." His comments have led to widespread public anger, with Ugandans rallying under the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe, voicing their demands for the bodyguard's release and denouncing his unlawful detention.

Critics have lambasted General Kainerugaba for his tweets, which they argue breach military decorum. The 51-year-old's previous controversial remarks include threats directed at opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, and even allusions to military action against neighboring Kenya. The latest incident escalated tensions when Sebuufu's abduction was characterized by Bobi Wine as a brutal kidnapping involving armed men and a police vehicle. Kainerugaba’s subsequent posts trivializing Mutwe’s situation led to further outrage, as he spoke of the bodyguard learning the local language, Runyankore, during his detention.

No official clarification on the legal grounds for Sebuufu's custody has been provided, despite demands for transparency and accountability from both opposition leaders and social media users. Bobi Wine has called for a solidarity rally in Kampala, urging citizens to unite against what he describes as the illegal and inhumane treatment of political detainees. The Uganda Law Society has echoed these sentiments, calling for an immediate end to the apparent pattern of political repression that seeks to stifle dissent and undermine democratic aspirations. The ongoing targeting of opposition members, amplified by the upcoming elections, poses a troubling threat to the political landscape in Uganda, further signifying the urgent need for clarity and justice in cases like that of Eddie Mutwe.