Ugandan opposition activist Eddie Mutwe, known as the chief bodyguard for opposition leader Bobi Wine, has reportedly shown signs of torture after being detained by military forces under the command of President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Mutwe was allegedly abducted on April 27, 2025, by armed men near Kampala and held in a private residence basement where he endured daily torture, including electrocution by masked individuals. He was later presented in court on robbery charges, visibly displaying signs of abuse. Justice Minister Norbert Mao condemned the abuse and called for judicial action.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, admitted on social media to capturing Mutwe and using him as a “punching bag.” This admission has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and opposition leaders, who view it as emblematic of the government’s ongoing repression of dissent. Kainerugaba is a controversial figure, often seen as a potential successor to his father, President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
The Uganda Human Rights Commission had ordered Mutwe’s release prior to his court appearance, highlighting the unlawful nature of his detention. His case adds to a growing list of incidents where opposition figures and their supporters have been subjected to arbitrary detention and torture. In March 2025, National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Vianne Bashabe was allegedly abducted from Hoima and subjected to beatings and psychological abuse inside Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) facilities before his release.
These incidents have drawn international condemnation. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Eron Kiiza, a human rights lawyer who was arbitrarily detained and tortured after attempting to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Kiiza’s body showed signs of torture, including swelling of joints and head, following his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
The Ugandan government’s actions have raised serious concerns about the state of human rights and the rule of law in the country. Opposition leaders and civil society organizations are calling for accountability and an end to the repression of dissenting voices.
