Justice Minister Mao Condemns Alleged Torture of Eddie Mutwe in Fiery Statement
Kampala, Uganda — May 6, 2025 | Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has issued a stern rebuke over the alleged torture and illegal detention of Edward Sebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the longtime bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine.
In a powerful statement delivered Monday, Mao called Mutwe’s physical condition—when he appeared frail and injured before the Masaka Magistrate’s Court—a “flagrant abuse of judicial processes” and a serious violation of constitutional protections.
“No citizen should be subjected to punishment unless proven guilty after due process in court,” Mao stated, warning that such violations erode trust in justice and democracy—especially with the 2026 general elections fast approaching.
The case has ignited public outrage, especially after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces—joked that Mutwe was being held in his basement and forced to salute a picture of “Mzee” every morning. Mao did not directly name Muhoozi but his statement is widely seen as a veiled criticism of such actions by high-ranking officials.
Timeline of Arrest and Outcry
Mutwe was reportedly abducted by plainclothes armed men on April 27 in Mbalwa, Mukono District. His location remained unknown for nearly a week until he reappeared in court on May 2, unable to walk without support. Photos from the courtroom showed him shaved, bruised, and visibly traumatized.
He has faced multiple arrests in the past due to his association with Bobi Wine and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). His latest detention comes amid escalating political tensions in Uganda.
Government Promises Action on Human Rights
Mao cited a landmark ruling in Uganda vs. Robert Ssekabira & Others, in which courts were urged to reject prosecutions based on gross constitutional violations. He revealed that the Ministry of Justice has completed a National Action Plan on Human Rights, soon to be submitted to Cabinet, and a Standing Committee on Human Rights has been formed to address reported abuses.
Additionally, a toll-free hotline will soon be launched for the public to report violations.
“Let us hold those in power accountable to their oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution,” Mao said, quoting philosopher Edmund Burke: “Law and arbitrary power are in eternal enmity.”
As Uganda inches closer to election season, Mao’s remarks serve as a clear warning to security agencies and political actors: uphold the law, or face national and international scrutiny.
