The Eddie Mutwe abduction has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about political repression in Uganda. Edward Ssebufu, known as Eddie Mutwe, serves as the chief civilian bodyguard to Robert Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader.
On Sunday evening, Kyagulanyi and the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, claimed that armed men abducted Mutwe from Kiwango village in Mukono District. They said individuals wearing Special Forces Command (SFC) uniforms forced him into a Toyota van, widely known as a “drone,” and drove him to an undisclosed location.
“Comrade Eddie Mutwe has just been violently abducted,” Kyagulanyi wrote on X. “Armed men in SFC uniform intercepted him and pushed him into a drone.”
However, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday that he had not received any official information about the incident. “I saw reports on social media,” he said, “but no officer or security unit has briefed me about his arrest or abduction.”
Mutwe has been a frequent target during police crackdowns on NUP’s activities. His name often surfaces when security agencies respond to the opposition’s political gatherings or protests.
Tensions Rise Ahead of 2026 Elections
Meanwhile, just hours after Mutwe’s disappearance, security forces sealed off the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule. Officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce patrolled Bombo Road to block a planned youth mobilisation event.
The event was part of NUP’s “youth protest vote” campaign, scheduled for Monday, April 28. However, police declared the launch illegal.
“The Uganda Police Force has come across an announcement regarding the planned launch of the youth protest vote,” police said in a statement. “This event and related activities will not be permitted. All individuals are cautioned against participation.”
As a result, the headquarters remained under lockdown, further intensifying the standoff between the opposition and security agencies.
Pattern of Intimidation
This incident reflects a broader pattern. During the 2021 elections, many opposition supporters vanished under similar circumstances. Some later appeared before military courts. Others were found abandoned in remote areas, bearing torture wounds.
Kyagulanyi, who has declared his intention to run against President Yoweri Museveni in 2026, faces increasing resistance. Authorities continue to block his mobilisation efforts, especially in rural districts where NUP maintains strong support.
The Eddie Mutwe abduction has therefore become more than a personal ordeal—it symbolizes a larger crackdown on political opposition in Uganda.
Calls for Transparency
Human rights activists and opposition leaders are demanding immediate answers. They want the government to account for Mutwe’s whereabouts and respect constitutional freedoms.
With elections approaching, political tensions are rising. Many Ugandans fear that the road to 2026 will mirror the violence and suppression seen in previous polls.
