National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has expressed deep concern over the condition of several detained party members, including Eddie Ssebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe, who are being held at Masaka Prison.
In the early hours of the morning, Kyagulanyi, accompanied by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, and other party leaders, visited Masaka Prison to check on their detained colleagues. Among those held are Achileo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi, Mugumya Gaddafi, and Eddie Mutwe — who was recently transferred to Masaka under unclear circumstances.
Despite the morning drizzle, Kyagulanyi was seen carrying one of Eddie Mutwe’s children as he was granted access to visit the detainees. Human rights lawyer George Musisi, who had earlier entered the prison with other legal representatives, described the conditions as appalling and said the prisoners had been subjected to torture.
“All charges against Eddie Mutwe should be dropped immediately. He has been tortured,” Musisi stated.
After leaving the prison, Eddie Mutwe’s mother made an emotional appeal for justice.
“All I ask for is justice for my son,” she pleaded.
Kyagulanyi also addressed the media, saying he was heartbroken by Eddie Mutwe’s physical and emotional state, describing his condition as clear evidence of mistreatment and torture.
“I believe they’re still hiding him to prevent the public from seeing the terrible condition he’s in — he still has fresh wounds oozing with blood. What I saw was heartbreaking. It’s undeniable that Eddie Mutwe has been brutally tortured,” Kyagulanyi said.
Other NUP leaders who visited the prison also condemned the manner in which the suspects have been handled and called for their immediate release. They emphasized that the charges being faced by the detainees are politically motivated and called on the authorities to respect human rights.
Kyagulanyi and his team also commended journalists who have continued to report the truth despite intimidation and challenges.
“A lot has been said, and yesterday we reviewed a list of journalists who were allegedly involved in covering up the arrests of Eddie Mutwe and others. But the truth is, journalist Getrude Mutyaba is not part of that. We are also grateful to Farish Magembe, President of the Greater Masaka Journalists’ Association, for standing firm and committed to the truth,” Kyagulanyi said.
Eddie Mutwe was produced before the Masaka court earlier this week. His deteriorated condition sparked concern, and he is expected to return to court on May 25.