The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has condemned the treatment of Edward Sebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, who was presented in Masaka Court in a visibly weak condition, showing signs of torture.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, Minister Mao stated that no citizen should be subjected to any form of punishment unless found guilty through due process in a court of law.
“Bringing illegally detained, brutalized, and tortured suspects before the courts of law is an abuse of judicial processes that stems from the violation of suspects’ constitutional rights and should be roundly condemned,” the statement reads in part.
He further emphasized that the courts must act swiftly and handle such matters expeditiously, guided by legal precedent.
Mao also revealed that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has finalized the National Action Plan for Human Rights, which will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval.
“In addition, Cabinet established a Standing Committee on Human Rights, which intervenes through official channels to ensure redress in cases of human rights violations. The Ministry will soon launch a toll-free line for reporting such cases,” he added.
A week after his alleged abduction in Mukono District, Eddie Mutwe, who appeared limping and visibly weak, was arraigned before the Masaka High Court on Monday. He was charged with aggravated robbery and assault and remanded to Masaka Prison until May 25.
He will appear in court alongside his co-accused—Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart—fellow bodyguards to opposition leader Bobi Wine, who have been on remand since February.
