The son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and the country’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has claimed responsibility for the abduction of Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard and key aide to leading opposition figure Bobi Wine. Mutwe was reportedly seized by armed men on April 27 near Kampala.
Kainerugaba made the claim in a series of posts on X, including a photograph appearing to show Mutwe shirtless. He stated that Mutwe was being held in his basement and threatened further violence, including castration, against him. He indicated he would only release Mutwe on the orders of President Museveni.
Ugandan authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The abduction has sparked condemnation from the opposition and human rights groups. Bobi Wine reported a raid on his party headquarters following the news. The Uganda Law Society described Mutwe’s detention as part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of accusations against Museveni’s government of widespread human rights abuses, including abductions and illegal detentions, which the government denies. Another opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, remains jailed on treason charges. Kainerugaba is known for making inflammatory statements on social media.
