By Spy Uganda
On Tuesday, the Masaka Chief Magistrate, Abdallah Kayiza, committed Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddy Mutwe, to the High Court for trial on charges of robbery and aggravated robbery.
Mutwe, who heads security for opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), is among several National Unity Platform (NUP) members facing similar charges related to a reported robbery in Manja, Lwengo District.
The court also ordered Mutwe’s transfer from Masaka General Prison to Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira to enable him to receive specialized medical treatment. The decision followed an urgent request from his legal team, who raised concerns about his deteriorating physical and mental condition.
During Tuesday’s court appearance, Mutwe appeared visibly unwell—shaking uncontrollably and responding to questions incoherently. His lawyers described his behavior as a sign of possible psychological trauma allegedly caused by torture while in detention.
Mutwe has been in custody since May 5, following what his legal representatives claim was a period of incommunicado detention and abuse by military operatives. Upon his initial court appearance, he was reportedly unable to walk without assistance and had to be supported by police officers.
The charges against Mutwe mirror those brought earlier against fellow NUP members Acleo Kivumbi, Wasabi, and Gafaffi, in connection to the same incident in Lwengo.
As the case proceeds to the High Court, Mutwe’s condition and allegations of torture are likely to fuel ongoing debate about the treatment of political detainees in Uganda and the broader implications for human rights and the rule of law.
