The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has confirmed that Edward Ssebufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe and the personal bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), is in the custody of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The revelation was made through a series of controversial posts on Gen Muhoozi’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
While confirming Mutwe’s detention, Gen Muhoozi did not clarify the legal basis or specific charges under which he is being held.
Mutwe had been missing since Sunday evening, with reports suggesting he was abducted by unknown individuals dressed in both civilian clothes and military fatigues from Kiwango trading centre in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality.
In his social media posts, Gen Muhoozi claimed, “He is in my basement. Learning Runyankore. You [Bobi Wine] are next!”—remarks that have drawn criticism and concern over their mocking tone and references to ethnic identity.
He further described Mutwe as “NUP’s military commander,” and likened his capture to catching a grasshopper (“Nsenene”), warning that further provocations would be met with more aggressive responses.
Kyagulanyi responded by demanding Mutwe’s immediate and unconditional release, expressing concern over his safety and the legality of his detention.
In another post, Gen Muhoozi appeared to ridicule Mutwe’s physical appearance and treatment in custody, stating, “Eddie is looking very smart these days. The boys have tuned him well. He salutes Mzee’s picture every day before breakfast.” He added, “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.”
His tweets, which also included disturbing references to humiliation and threats of physical harm, have sparked outrage.