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Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Ugandan army chief starts LIVE TWEETING about the TORTURE of an opposition member's bodyguard 'in his basement' after boasting he had been captured 'like a grasshopper'
A Ugandan army chief started live tweeting about the torture of his opposition member's bodyguard, boasting how he had captured him 'like a grasshopper'. Prominent opposition leader, Bobi Wine, said the head of the army had abducted the guard and was keeping him in a basement hours after troops had raided his party's headquarters on Sunday. There has been a mounting crackdown on the opposition ahead of the general election in January and the moves have come as Wine was set to launch a 'protest vote' campaign. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is head of the army but also the son and heir-apparent of long-ruling President Yoweri Museveni, posted on X late on Thursday that Wine's bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, had been captured 'like a grasshopper'. 'He is in my basement... You are next,' Kainerugaba, known for his notorious posts on X, responded to Wine after the latter said on social media that Mutwe had been abducted. Kainerugaba also alluded to Mutwe being tortured, saying he had beaten him and shaved his head, adding: 'I still have to castrate him'. 'If they keep on provoking us, we shall discipline them even more,' he said of the opposition. In another post he claimed Mutwe was learning Runyankore, a language spoken in western Uganda, while in custody. A Ugandan army chief started live tweeting about the torture of his opposition leader's bodyguard, boasting how he had captured him 'like a grasshopper' General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (pictured), who is head of the army but also the son and heir-apparent of long-ruling President Yoweri Museveni, posted on X late on Thursday that Wine's bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, had been captured 'like a grasshopper' There has been a mounting crackdown on the opposition ahead of the general election in January and the moves come as Wine (pictured) was set to launch a 'protest vote' campaign Uganda has faced international condemnation over the abduction of opposition figures, including that of veteran leader Kizza Besigye, who was seized in Kenya last year and forcibly returned to face treason charges. Wine, a former singer whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has become the leading opponent to Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. On Friday he said on X that security forces had 'just raided and cordoned off our headquarters'. He also condemned the abduction of Mutwe, telling AFP it was 'a reminder to the world as to how law and order has broken down in Uganda'. 'For Muhoozi to confirm the abduction and illegal detention of Eddie Mutwe and sharing his photos half naked signals to the level of impunity the rogue regime has reached,' he added. A police spokesman told AFP he had not been briefed on Mutwe's case. Uganda is set to hold a general election in January, with Museveni looking to extend his 40-year rule. The last election in 2021 was marred by widespread reports of irregularities and severe violence from the security forces, which Museveni blamed on 'indiscipline' and 'laziness'. 'He is in my basement... You are next,' Kainerugaba, known for his notorious posts on X, responded to Wine after the latter said on social media that Mutwe had been abducted. Kainerugaba also alluded to Mutwe being tortured, saying he had beaten him and shaved his head, adding: 'I still have to castrate him' The US-based Holocaust Memorial Museum recently warned of possible 'mass atrocities' around the 2026 election. On Sunday, Wine's party, the National Unity Platform, said Mutwe had been 'violently abducted' by armed men wearing uniforms associated with the Special Forces Command, an elite unit of Uganda's army. The NUP said heavily armed security forces had sealed off its headquarters in the capital Kampala prior to Friday's raid. The opposition was planning to use the HQ to launch a campaign to urge Ugandans to vote against the government in the general election and demonstrate to protect their democratic rights. Kainerugaba is notorious for his unfiltered posts on X. Earlier this year, he threatened to behead Wine and they have sparred repeatedly online. His comments have occasionally drawn Uganda into diplomatic spats. In 2022, Museveni was forced to apologise for posts by his son that appeared to threaten an invasion of Kenya.
Saudi Gazette
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Anger as Uganda president's son says he's holding opposition leader's bodyguard
NAIROBI — General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's president, has confirmed the detention of an opposition leader's bodyguard, who has been missing for five days. Edward Sebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, was reportedly picked up on Sunday by unidentified individuals in both civilian clothes and military fatigues in the central town of Kiwango, sparking public outrage. In a series of posts on X, Gen Kainerugabai, who is also Uganda's military chief, said Sebuufu was "in my basement", attaching the bodyguard's photo with a clean-shaven head. Gen Kainerugabai's remarks have sparked public anger with Ugandans using the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand Sebuufu's release and condemn his detention. Gen Kainerugaba frequently makes political comments, which his critics say contravenes the military's code of discipline. The 51-year-old army general is seen as a possible successor to his long-serving father, Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, who has denied that he is grooming his son for the presidency. Gen Kainerugaba has made many controversial statements on social media, touching on subjects considered taboo for a serving soldier. In 2022, he made headlines for discussing an invasion of neighboring Kenya, a comment that forced his father to step in and apologize. He recently sparked anger with a tweet in which he threatened to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Late on Thursday, he sparked another social media storm after he published a photo of Sebuufu, Bobi Wine's bodyguard, appearing half-naked and clean-shaved. Bobi Wine said Sebuufu was on Sunday "violently abducted" from Kiwango by armed men traveling in a police van, popularly known as "drone", before he was whisked to an unknown place. In a series of posts, Gen Kainerugaba said his soldiers had captured Sebuufu "like a grasshopper" and he was learning Runyankore, a language spoken in western Uganda, while in custody. He said Sebuufu was "looking very smart these days" after his beard was shaved by "my boy", referring to his junior soldiers. The general said he would only release the bodyguard if ordered to do so by his father, President Museveni. Gen Kainerugaba did not explicitly state where Sebuufu was being held, or on what legal charges. Security forces are yet to comment on the matter but police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke on Monday told local media that he was not aware of Sebuufu being held in any police station. Opposition officials and social media users in Uganda have demanded the bodyguard be produced in court if he is in lawful custody. Bobi Wine has called for a "solidarity" rally on Friday in the capital Kampala, accusing Gen Kainerugaba for "illegally holding, torturing, and dehumanizing" his bodyguard. "This is a non-partisan opportunity to unite. Friends of Eddie and other Ugandans of good conscience, let us come together in solidarity not just with Eddie but all political prisoners!," Bobi Wine posted on X. In a statement, the Uganda Law Society has called for the immediate release of the bodyguard, saying his ordeal was not an isolated case but "part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of people yearning for freedom". The society feared that the reported involvement of the army in the matter "underscores a dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression". Sebuufu, who is in charge of Bobi Wine's personal security detail, has been arrested several times and charged with various offenses, including treason and illegal possession of ammunition. The opposition says his arrests and charges are politically motivated. He has been a key target in several security crackdowns on opposition activities, especially during elections and mobilization campaigns, local media reported. Bobi Wine, a popular singer who has declared his intention to challenge President Museveni for the second time in the 2026 elections, has often been prevented from holding political rallies. There are growing concerns about the targeting of opposition figures and supporters by security agencies as political mobilization intensifies ahead of the elections. The government has blamed the opposition for the regular clashes between civilians and the security forces, saying they hold rallies without permission. — BBC
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Anger as Uganda president's son says he's holding opposition bodyguard
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's president, has confirmed the detention of an opposition leader's bodyguard, who has been missing for five days. Edward Sebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, was reportedly picked up on Sunday by unidentified individuals in both civilian clothes and military fatigues in the central town of Kiwango, sparking public outrage. In a series of posts on X, Gen Kainerugabai, who is also Uganda's military chief, said Mr Sebuufu was "in my basement", attaching the bodyguard's photo with a clean-shaven head. Gen Kainerugabai's remarks have sparked public anger with Ugandans using the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand Mr Sebuufu's release and condemn his detention. Gen Kainerugaba frequently makes political comments, which his critics say contravenes the military's code of discipline. The 51-year-old army general is seen as a possible successor to his long-serving father, Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, who has denied that he is grooming his son for the presidency. Muhoozi Kainerugaba - Uganda's ambitious tweeting general Gen Kainerugaba has made many controversial statements on social media, touching on subjects considered taboo for a serving soldier. In 2022, he made headlines for discussing an invasion of neighbouring Kenya, a comment that forced his father to step in and apologise. He recently sparked anger with a tweet in which he threatened to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Late on Thursday, he sparked another social media storm after he published a photo of Mr Sebuufu, Bobi Wine's bodyguard, appearing half-naked and clean shaved. Bobi Wine said Mr Sebuufu was on Sunday "violently abducted" from Kiwango by armed men travelling in a police van, popularly known as "drone", before he was whisked to an unknown place. In a series of posts, Gen Kainerugaba said his soldiers had captured Mr Sebuufu "liked a grasshopper" and he was learning Runyankore, a language spoken in western Uganda, while in custody. He said Mr Sebuufu was "looking very smart these days" after his beard was shaved by "my boy", referring to his junior soldiers. The general said he would only release the bodyguard if ordered to do so by his father, President Museveni. Gen Kainerugaba did not explicitly state where Mr Sebuufu was being held, or on what legal charges. Security forces are yet to comment on the matter but police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke on Monday told local media that he was not aware of Mr Sebuufu being held in any police station. Opposition officials and social media users in Uganda have demanded the bodyguard be produced in court if he is in lawful custody. Bobi Wine has called for a "solidarity" rally on Friday in the capital Kampala, accusing Gen Kainerugaba for "illegally holding, torturing, and dehumanizing" his bodyguard. "This is a non-partisan opportunity to unite. Friends of Eddie and other Ugandans of good conscience, let us come together in solidarity not just with Eddie but all political prisoners!," Bobi Wine posted on X. In a statement, the Uganda Law Society has called for the immediate release of the bodyguard, saying his ordeal was not an isolated case but "part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of people yearning for freedom". The society feared that the reported involvement of the army in the matter "underscores a dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression". Mr Sebuufu, who is in charge of Bobi Wine's personal security detail, has been arrested several times and charged with various offences, including treason and illegal possession of ammunition. The opposition says his arrests and charges are politically motivated. He has been a key target in several security crackdowns on opposition activities, especially during elections and mobilisation campaigns, local media reported. Bobi Wine, a popular singer who has declared his intention to challenge President Museveni for the second time in the 2026 elections, has often been prevented from holding political rallies. There are growing concerns about the targeting of opposition figures and supporters by security agencies as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the elections. How a Ugandan opposition leader disappeared in Kenya and ended up in military court Social media ban in Uganda raises questions over regulation in Africa TikToker jailed for 32 months for insulting Uganda's president Top designer vows to regrow dreadlocks cut after Uganda arrest Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Eddie Mutwe: Anger as Uganda's Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba says he's holding Bobi Wine's bodyguard
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda's president, has confirmed the detention of an opposition leader's bodyguard, who has been missing for five days. Edward Sebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, was reportedly picked up on Sunday by unidentified individuals in both civilian clothes and military fatigues in the central town of Kiwango, sparking public outrage. In a series of posts on X, Gen Kainerugabai, who is also Uganda's military chief, said Mr Sebuufu was "in my basement", attaching the bodyguard's photo with a clean-shaven head. Gen Kainerugabai's remarks have sparked public anger with Ugandans using the hashtag #FreeEddieMutwe to demand Mr Sebuufu's release and condemn his detention. Gen Kainerugaba frequently makes political comments, which his critics say contravenes the military's code of 51-year-old army general is seen as a possible successor to his long-serving father, Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, who has denied that he is grooming his son for the Kainerugaba - Uganda's ambitious tweeting generalGen Kainerugaba has made many controversial statements on social media, touching on subjects considered taboo for a serving 2022, he made headlines for discussing an invasion of neighbouring Kenya, a comment that forced his father to step in and recently sparked anger with a tweet in which he threatened to behead opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi on Thursday, he sparked another social media storm after he published a photo of Mr Sebuufu, Bobi Wine's bodyguard, appearing half-naked and clean shaved. Bobi Wine said Mr Sebuufu was on Sunday "violently abducted" from Kiwango by armed men travelling in a police van, popularly known as "drone", before he was whisked to an unknown place. In a series of posts, Gen Kainerugaba said his soldiers had captured Mr Sebuufu "liked a grasshopper" and he was learning Runyankore, a language spoken in western Uganda, while in custody. He said Mr Sebuufu was "looking very smart these days" after his beard was shaved by "my boy", referring to his junior soldiers. The general said he would only release the bodyguard if ordered to do so by his father, President Museveni. Gen Kainerugaba did not explicitly state where Mr Sebuufu was being held, or on what legal charges. Security forces are yet to comment on the matter but police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke on Monday told local media that he was not aware of Mr Sebuufu being held in any police station. Opposition officials and social media users in Uganda have demanded the bodyguard be produced in court if he is in lawful Wine has called for a "solidarity" rally on Friday in the capital Kampala, accusing Gen Kainerugaba for "illegally holding, torturing, and dehumanizing" his bodyguard. "This is a non-partisan opportunity to unite. Friends of Eddie and other Ugandans of good conscience, let us come together in solidarity not just with Eddie but all political prisoners!," Bobi Wine posted on X. In a statement, the Uganda Law Society has called for the immediate release of the bodyguard, saying his ordeal was not an isolated case but "part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of people yearning for freedom". The society feared that the reported involvement of the army in the matter "underscores a dangerous nexus of military power and political oppression". Mr Sebuufu, who is in charge of Bobi Wine's personal security detail, has been arrested several times and charged with various offences, including treason and illegal possession of ammunition. The opposition says his arrests and charges are politically has been a key target in several security crackdowns on opposition activities, especially during elections and mobilisation campaigns, local media reported. Bobi Wine, a popular singer who has declared his intention to challenge President Museveni for the second time in the 2026 elections, has often been prevented from holding political are growing concerns about the targeting of opposition figures and supporters by security agencies as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the elections. You may also be interested in: How a Ugandan opposition leader disappeared in Kenya and ended up in military courtSocial media ban in Uganda raises questions over regulation in AfricaTikToker jailed for 32 months for insulting Uganda's presidentTop designer vows to regrow dreadlocks cut after Uganda arrest Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
