Kampala (PrimeAfrica)– Uganda’s top military commander and son of the president, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has claimed on social media that he is detaining a prominent opposition figure in his private basement — a chilling development that has intensified concerns about growing authoritarianism under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime.
Edward Ssebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe, has been missing since April 27. Mutwe, who serves as the chief bodyguard to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi — better known as Bobi Wine — was reportedly abducted by armed men near Kampala, according to the National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
In a shocking series of posts on social platform X late Thursday, Kainerugaba posted a photo of a shirtless man, allegedly Mutwe, claiming he had “captured him like a grasshopper.” He added, “He is in my basement … You are next!” in response to a post by Wine about the activist’s disappearance.
Later, the military chief escalated the rhetoric, writing: “I still have to castrate him,” and indicated he would only release Mutwe if ordered to do so by his father, President Museveni.
Reuters reported it could not independently verify the authenticity of the photo. However, the NUP party later reshared the same image on its official X account, appealing for public support and international attention.
Spokespersons for the Ugandan military, police, and government have not issued any statements in response to widespread inquiries from journalists and civil society groups.
Kainerugaba, 51, who has previously made inflammatory comments — including threats to invade Kenya in 2022 and to behead Bobi Wine in January — remains a controversial figure in Uganda’s political landscape. His social media posts have frequently sparked diplomatic concern and domestic outrage.
President Museveni, 80, has ruled Uganda since seizing power in 1986 and is widely expected to seek re-election in January 2026. His administration has been repeatedly accused by opposition groups and international human rights bodies of widespread abuses, including abductions, torture, and unlawful detentions of political opponents — charges the president has consistently denied.
“This is not just about Eddie Mutwe,” the Uganda Law Society said in a statement on Friday. “His ordeal is part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of young people yearning for freedom.”
Bobi Wine, who came second in the disputed 2021 presidential election, announced on Friday that the military had raided the NUP party headquarters just hours before a planned public rally in support of Mutwe.
Meanwhile, another veteran opposition leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has challenged Museveni in four presidential elections, remains behind bars after being arrested in November on charges that include treason.
As the world watches, Uganda appears to be entering yet another chapter of deepening repression — one in which even the rule of law and basic human rights are increasingly at risk.
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