Magellan Kazibwe, the lawyer representing Robert Kyagulanyi’s bodyguard, Edward Ssebufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, has recounted the events surrounding his client’s arraignment before the High Court in Masaka.
According to Kazibwe, Mutwe was dropped off at the court premises by plainclothes security operatives. Two of them supported him, as he was limping and unable to walk on his own. Journalists were ordered to leave the court gate by one of the operatives.
This occurred this afternoon, about a week after Mutwe was allegedly abducted in Mukono District.
Kazibwe noted that he was initially blocked from accessing the court premises by operatives led by a man he identified only as Asiimwe, who claimed they were waiting for instructions from their superiors in Kampala.
“I made calls to the Uganda Law Society leadership. After over 40 minutes, I was allowed into the court,” Kazibwe said.
He added, “I found Eddie Mutwe already before Grade One Magistrate Abdullah Kayiza, who charged and remanded him to Masaka Prison.”
Kazibwe explained that Mutwe faces similar charges of aggravated robbery as those already levied against his fellow bodyguards—Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart—who have been on remand since February.
According to the prosecution, the group allegedly robbed Masaka-based journalist Margret Kayondo, an employee of Radio Simba, on May 18, 2024. They reportedly stole her green sweater and a Camon 12 mobile phone valued at Shs 730,000.
The prosecution further claims that the suspects used sharp knives and sticks during the attack. The court also heard that shortly afterward, they allegedly assaulted Zainab Namusaazi, a journalist with NBS TV, and damaged her video camera, valued at Shs 1.5 million.
Additionally, the group is accused of stealing Shs 200,000 from Rodgers Mulungi and John Mukalaazi, and of assaulting Drake Lubega and Haruna Ssekitto, whose mobile phone was also stolen.
The incident reportedly took place at Manja Village in Kisekka Sub-County, Lwengo District, during the burial of Pascal Ssekasamba, where journalists had gathered to cover the event.
The lawyer also stated that Eddie Mutwe is in a pathetic condition, as he told him he has undergone massive torture since his arrest.
“He has been severely tortured. He told me they did it five times a day since his abduction. They used wires to beat him. He said they also electrocuted him and squeezed his private parts. He is in great pain and has not received any medical treatment,” the lawyer said.
