Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine and leader of Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP), has claimed that his close aide and head of security, Eddie Mutwe, was violently abducted by armed individuals believed to be members of the Special Forces Command (SFC).
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Bobi Wine said:
“Comrade Eddie Mutwe has just been violently abducted from Kiwango village in Mukono District by armed men in SFC uniform, travelling in a Toyota van commonly referred to as a ‘drone’.”
According to the NUP, Mutwe had travelled to Bukerere in Kiwango to attend a Hakika ceremony held for a fellow party supporter, often referred to within the movement as a “foot soldier.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the continued targeting of opposition figures and supporters.
It comes shortly after the arrests of two other bodyguards of Bobi Wine Achilleo Kivumbi and Gaddafi Mugumya who are currently being held at Masaka Main Prison.
The two face charges including aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault, and malicious damage. Kivumbi was arrested in Nansana in February and has been in custody since.
At the time of reporting, authorities had not yet issued an official statement regarding Mutwe’s alleged abduction. His disappearance is the latest in a string of arrests and disappearances of opposition members under disputed circumstances.
Eddie Mutwe is no stranger to state detention. In 2021, during the presidential campaign period, he was arrested alongside fellow NUP members Nubian Li and Sir Dan Magic. The three were held for six months before being granted bail in June of that year.
The NUP has condemned the latest development, describing it as part of an ongoing campaign of politically motivated persecution. The party is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Eddie Mutwe.
This story is still developing. We’ll continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.
