By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Abducted opposition supporter Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe, the head of the security for NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has been formally charged with robbery, amid torture allegations.
Mutwe was on Monday afternoon (May 5) arraigned before the Masaka High Court which charged him with simple and aggravated robber that occurred in Manja cell, Lwengo district.
The court presided over by the Masaka Grade One Magistrate, Abdallah Kayiza did not allow Eddie Mutwe to take plea of the charges, and instead remanded him to Masaka Main Prison, with further proceedings expected in the coming days. NUP’s security guard Achileo Kivumbi is also facing similar charges in the same court.
Speaking to journalists shortly after court session, Magallena Kazibwe, the accused lawyer said that Mutwe was subjected to extreme torture while in custody, stating that, “He is in a deplorable state.”
“He says he was tortured five times a day, beaten with electric wires, electrocuted, and had his private parts squeezed,” Kazibwe said.
Eddie Mutwe was allegedly abducted on April 26, in Mukono district and taken to undisclosed location. However, a few days later, the Commander of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi confirmed that he was holding him in his basement, teaching him Runyankore. Immediately, the CDF shared photos of Eddie Mutwe with his head and beard forcefully shaved, which was interpreted as signs of torture.
Charles Peter Mayiga, the Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom said the arrest did not have legal justification.
“Acts of abducting people, beating journalists, and intimidation will not lead to anything good,” Mayiga said.
“Now, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has arrested Edward Ssebuufu (Eddie Mutwe) accusing him of growing a beard and not knowing Runyankole!” Mayiga added.
According to Katikkiro, it’s the mandate of police to arrest and detain lawbreakers, arguing that if there is any valid charge against Eddie Mutwe, he should be handed over to the police, and the matter should be handled according to the law.
Sharp criticism from religious and traditional leaders, human rights defenders, and opposition politicians may have influenced the decision to present Eddie Mutwe in court. However, he was observed limping, with reports indicating that his body and feet were visibly swollen. Journalists were restricted from covering court proceedings.
