The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to transfer Edward Ssebuufu—widely known as Eddie Mutwe, and the chief bodyguard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine)—to the Police for proper legal processing.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2024 Buganda Lukiiko at Bulange, Mengo, Mayiga emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, noting that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is not legally mandated to arrest civilians.
“In such situations, due process must be followed. Let the police investigate, and the courts adjudicate,” the Katikkiro said, referencing Gen Muhoozi’s recent social media admission that Mutwe was being held in his basement.
Mutwe had been missing since April 27 until Gen Muhoozi publicly confirmed his detention through a string of controversial posts. He claimed Mutwe was being taught Runyankore—a claim widely seen as mocking—and posted a photo of a shirtless, visibly distressed Mutwe, with his beard shaved off. The image sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about unlawful detention and tribal undertones.
“No one should be arrested for having a big beard or not knowing Runyankore,” Mayiga stated, criticizing the apparent lack of legal procedure in Mutwe’s detention.
He went on to warn against actions that could stoke ethnic tensions. “We must not allow our country to be dragged into tribal chaos. Ugandans should remain watchful and united,” he urged.
Mayiga further called on government agencies to desist from extrajudicial practices such as abductions, warning that such conduct undermines national unity and threatens the country’s stability.
