The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has condemned the abduction and ongoing detention of Robert Kyagulanyi's chief bodyguard, Edward Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe.
Last week, the opposition, National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine reported that Mutwe had gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Shortly thereafter, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account that Mutwe was being held by SFC soldiers in a basement.
On Monday, FDC's deputy secretary for publicity, Walid Mulindwa Lubega joined other opposition members in denouncing Mutwe's abduction and what he termed his "illegal" detention.
"The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) unequivocally condemns the abduction, illegal detention since April 27, 2025 of Edward Ssebuufu," Lubega told the press.
He noted that such brazen display of power on opposition members highlights the regime’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and human rights.
"Thus, the incommunicado detention is antithetical to Article 28 of Uganda’s constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing as well as article 24 which protects the right to freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment." Lubega said.
Since Mutwe's disappearance, several civil society organisations and opposition figures have strongly voiced their condemnation of his abduction and called for his release.
Last week, Mariam Wangadya Mutonyi, chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Committee, issued a directive to the Chief of Defence Forces, demanding the release of Eddie Mutwe from his unauthorised custody.
On Monday, the FDC urged an end to what they described as the continued impunity faced by opposition members at the hands of the regime, an act the party suggested is aimed at silencing dissent.
"We are concerned that Eddie Mutwe’s situation is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspiration of the Ugandans clamouring for change and freedom," Lubega said.
He added, "The detention of Eddie Mutwe is a stark reminder of the persistent human rights challenges in our country. This case echoes previous incidents of arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances documented in various human rights reports, including the US Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices."
Mutwe's situation has raised concerns regarding the state of human rights in Uganda, especially following the release of a photo by the Chief of Defence Forces that depicted Kyagulanyi's bodyguard in military detention, with a shaved head and a visibly distressed expression.