Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has confirmed the detention of Eddie Sebuufu, an opposition leader’s bodyguard, who has been missing for five days. Sebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, was reportedly seized on Sunday by individuals in both military and civilian attire in the town of Kiwango, igniting public outrage.
Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the military chief, took to social media to announce that Sebuufu was “in my basement,” alongside a photo showing Sebuufu with a clean-shaven head. The general’s posts have led to a surge of anger online, with Ugandans using the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand his release and condemn the unlawful detention.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, frequently outspoken on social media, has been criticized for his controversial comments, which many see as violating the military’s code of conduct. The 51-year-old general is often speculated to be a potential successor to his father, despite President Museveni denying such claims.
In previous years, Kainerugaba stirred controversy when he discussed an invasion of Kenya, leading to a public apology from his father. More recently, he sparked outrage by threatening opposition leader Bobi Wine with beheading and posting a photo of Sebuufu in a degraded state.
According to Bobi Wine, Sebuufu was “violently abducted” by armed men in a police van on Sunday. Kainerugaba, in his posts, described Sebuufu’s detention, stating that the bodyguard was “learning Runyankore” while in custody and that his beard had been shaved by Kainerugaba’s junior soldiers. He also mentioned that Sebuufu would only be released if instructed by his father, President Museveni.
Security forces have not issued any official statements on Sebuufu’s detention, and the police spokesperson was unaware of his whereabouts. Opposition officials have demanded that Sebuufu be presented in court if his detention is lawful.
Bobi Wine has organized a solidarity rally in Kampala on Friday, accusing Gen. Kainerugaba of “illegally holding, torturing, and dehumanizing” his bodyguard. He called on Ugandans to unite, stating, “Let us come together in solidarity not just with Eddie but all political prisoners!”
The Uganda Law Society has also called for Sebuufu’s immediate release, warning that the incident reflects a larger pattern of suppressing opposition and stifling freedom. The society expressed concern over the growing link between military power and political oppression.
Sebuufu has been a frequent target of politically motivated arrests, including charges of treason and illegal possession of ammunition. His detention has raised fears of increasing repression as the 2026 elections approach, with opposition figures and supporters facing mounting pressure from security agencies.