Uganda’s political crisis has deepened following shocking revelations from the country’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who claimed he is detaining a missing opposition official in his basement. Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces, made the statement in a series of inflammatory posts on social media, escalating fears over growing repression ahead of the 2026 elections.
Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, serves as the chief bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine. He was reportedly abducted on April 27 near Kampala by unidentified armed men. Uganda’s police previously denied holding him, and his whereabouts had remained unknown until Kainerugaba posted a shirtless photo of him on X (formerly Twitter) and taunted, “He is in my basement … You are next!” The military chief further threatened to “castrate” him and added that Mutwe would only be released upon President Museveni’s command.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Bobi Wine, reused the photo in their own social media appeals, calling for immediate intervention. Wine, who has long accused the Museveni regime of electoral fraud and political persecution, said security forces had also raided the party’s headquarters on Friday, a move seen as an attempt to intimidate supporters.
Kainerugaba, known for controversial social media outbursts, previously threatened to invade Kenya in 2022 and has made violent threats against Wine. His latest remarks have drawn condemnation from civil society, with the Uganda Law Society stating, “Eddie Mutwe’s ordeal is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of young people yearning for freedom.”
President Museveni, now 80, has ruled Uganda since 1986 and is widely expected to seek re-election in 2026. His administration has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses despite mounting evidence of enforced disappearances and detentions.
The incident has reignited concerns over Uganda’s democratic trajectory and the safety of opposition figures as the country braces for another contentious election cycle. Human rights groups and international observers are calling for urgent investigations and the immediate release of Mutwe.
