The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has demanded immediate access to specialised medical care for Ssebuufu Edward, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, after confirming signs of severe torture and declining health during a prison visit.
A team of UMA doctors who visited Mutwe at Masaka Central Prison on May 7 reported that he bore open wounds, bruises, and swelling, and showed signs of acute psychological distress.
They said he could neither walk nor stand and had to be carried into the visitation room by fellow inmates.
“Eddie Mutwe is in severe physical and psychological pain. He urgently needs specialised evaluation and treatment by doctors of his choice,” said Dr Joel Mirembe, UMA’s Secretary General.
“His current condition cannot be managed within the limited capacity of a Health Centre III.”
According to the medical team, Mutwe described beatings, electrocution, sensory deprivation, and other inhumane methods inflicted on him during what he said was illegal detention in undisclosed locations.
UMA condemned these actions as torture and criticised authorities for ignoring a directive from Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, who had ordered Mutwe’s unconditional release on grounds of unlawful detention.
That directive remains unimplemented.
“Torture is never acceptable,” said Dr Mirembe. “It violates the Constitution, defies international human rights law, and tramples on the ethical responsibilities of medical and security professionals alike.”
The association called for an independent medical assessment by a team selected by Mutwe and his family.
It also demands full compliance with national and international law on lawful detention and medical rights;
Further, the medical said institutional reforms within Uganda’s security forces to root out torture and uphold human dignity.
UMA also disclosed that it has mobilised a team of senior doctors available around the clock to provide care and has alerted Ugandan physicians in the diaspora to prepare for possible medical evacuation if Mutwe’s condition worsens.
“We are ready to step in and deliver care grounded in ethics, urgency, and compassion,” Dr Mirembe said.
“The government must allow this without obstruction.”
The association urged all health workers to remain vigilant, document signs of abuse, and refuse to be complicit in torture or medical neglect.
“We reaffirm our duty to protect life and dignity,” said Dr Mirembe. “No Ugandan—regardless of politics—should be subjected to this kind of cruelty.”