The Uganda Police Force has publicly denied any involvement in or knowledge of the reported arrest or abduction of Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard of National Unity Platform (NUP) president and opposition leader Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine. The statement comes amid growing concerns from NUP supporters and escalating tensions surrounding the party’s planned youth rally, on which the police have vowed to remain silent until an agreement is reached with the opposition group.
Alleged Abduction Sparks Outrage
On the evening of April 27, 2025, reports surfaced on social media and from NUP leadership that Eddie Mutwe had been abducted by armed men in Kiwanga, Mukono District. According to a post by Hon. Kyagulanyi on X, Mutwe was taken by “security operatives” in a vehicle commonly referred to as a “drone,” a term often associated with unmarked security vans in Uganda. The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, corroborated the claim, stating that Mutwe was seized by plainclothes operatives, raising fears of targeted action against NUP figures.
The alleged abduction prompted swift condemnation from NUP supporters and human rights advocates, who pointed to a pattern of what they describe as state-sponsored abductions of opposition members. Posts on X reflected growing public concern, with one user, @933kfm, noting that Mutwe’s whereabouts remained unknown as of April 28, amplifying fears of politically motivated targeting.
However, in a press briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters on April 28, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke categorically denied any knowledge of Mutwe’s arrest or detention. “The Uganda Police Force is unaware of any operation involving the arrest of Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe,” Rusoke stated. “We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to report any credible details to the authorities for investigation.”
The police’s denial has done little to quell speculation, with NUP leaders accusing the state of employing covert tactics to intimidate the opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections. David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP’s Secretary-General, called for transparency, demanding that security agencies clarify Mutwe’s whereabouts. “This is not the first time our people have been taken in such a manner,” Rubongoya said. “The government must stop these abductions and respect the rule of law.”
Police Silence on NUP’s Youth Rally
Compounding the controversy, the Uganda Police Force has taken a firm stance of silence regarding the NUP’s planned “Protest Vote” youth rally, which was set to be launched on April 28 but was abruptly blocked by authorities. According to sources within NUP, the rally was intended to mobilize young voters and galvanize support for the opposition’s agenda ahead of the 2026 polls. However, police intervened, citing concerns over public safety and the need for further consultation with NUP leadership.
In a statement, the police reiterated that they would not comment on the rally until an agreement is reached with NUP. “We met with the NUP leadership on July 11, 2024, and agreed on several resolutions regarding their public activities,” a police spokesperson said, referencing a prior engagement. “Until we finalize discussions on the proposed youth rally, we will not make further statements.”
The police’s decision to block the rally and their subsequent silence have drawn sharp criticism from NUP, which accuses the government of stifling freedom of assembly. A post by @SuunaKing_James on X highlighted perceived double standards, noting that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) faced no interference when launching its campaign slogan earlier in the month. “Police should respect people’s freedom of association,” the post read.
A History of Tensions
Eddie Mutwe, a 39-year-old former barber turned bodyguard, has been a loyal aide to Kyagulanyi since the latter’s rise to political prominence. Known for his imposing physique and training in taekwondo and boxing, Mutwe has faced multiple arrests and charges in the past, often linked to his role in protecting the NUP leader. In 2018, he was charged with treason alongside Kyagulanyi and others for allegedly stoning President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy in Arua, though the charges were later contested. In 2021, Mutwe was among 49 NUP supporters arrested in Kalangala and charged with illegal possession of ammunition, only to be granted bail after six months in detention.
The current incident has reignited debates over the treatment of NUP supporters, with the party claiming that its members are systematically targeted by the state. A recent report by The Independent alleged that NUP foot soldiers have been involved in confrontations with security forces since 2020, citing incidents like the November 2020 riots in Kampala. The report also claimed that some NUP members were trained in Kenya for “illegal military drilling,” a charge the party has vehemently denied.
Public and Political Reactions
The alleged abduction of Mutwe and the police’s handling of the NUP rally have sparked widespread reactions. On X, hashtags like #KFMUpdates and #NTVNews have trended as users demand accountability. Some have drawn comparisons to past incidents, such as a 2024 event in Bulindo where Mutwe was criticized for fleeing during an altercation that left Kyagulanyi injured. Others have praised Mutwe’s loyalty, recalling his pledge to protect Kyagulanyi at all costs.
Opposition figures, including Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, have called for solidarity, framing the incident as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Meanwhile, government supporters argue that the police are acting within their mandate to maintain order, pointing to NUP’s history of organizing unauthorized gatherings.
What Lies Ahead?
As of April 28, Eddie Mutwe’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the NUP has vowed to press for answers. The party is also preparing to challenge the police’s restrictions on its youth rally, with plans to hold a press conference to outline its next steps. However, with the police maintaining their stance of silence, the standoff is likely to escalate.
Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into Mutwe’s alleged abduction, urging the government to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom and security. The incident has further strained relations between the NUP and the state, setting the stage for a contentious political season as Uganda inches closer to the 2026 elections.
For now, the nation watches anxiously, awaiting clarity on Mutwe’s fate and the future of NUP’s mobilization efforts. As one NUP supporter posted on X, “The struggle continues, but at what cost?”
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.