Ugandan police have distanced themselves from the reported arrest of Edward Ssebufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief civilian bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
On Sunday evening, Bobi Wine and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, claimed that Mutwe had been abducted by armed men suspected to be from the Special Forces Command (SFC).
According to their statements, Mutwe was forcibly taken from Kiwango village in Mukono District and driven away in a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a “drone.”
“Comrade Eddie Mutwe has just been violently abducted… by armed men in SFC uniform using a Toyota drone,” Bobi Wine posted on X.
Addressing the media on Monday, April 28, at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, police spokesperson Mr. Kituuma Rusoke said he had received no formal information about the alleged incident.
“I have seen the reports circulating on social media, but no police officer or agency has officially briefed me. I’m unable to make any definitive comment,” Mr. Kituuma stated.
Mutwe has previously been targeted during state crackdowns on NUP activities, especially during election periods. His latest disappearance has raised fresh concerns about the safety of opposition members and the increasing political repression as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
Enforced disappearances and violent arrests of opposition supporters were widely reported around the 2021 elections. Some victims were later presented before the General Court Martial, while others reappeared bearing signs of physical abuse.
Bobi Wine, who recently declared his intention to run against President Museveni in 2026, continues to face heavy restrictions on his political mobilization efforts.
Eddie Mutwe’s alleged abduction came just before security forces sealed off the NUP headquarters, citing the need to maintain public order after the party announced a “youth protest vote” campaign.
In an official statement, the Uganda Police Force said:
“We are aware of the planned youth protest vote launch on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the NUP Headquarters. This event and all related activities are not permitted. All individuals are warned against participating in or facilitating any such actions.”
We’ll continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.
