The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has directed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to immediately release Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, from military custody, declaring his detention unlawful.
In an official release signed by UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya and addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Commission stated that Mutwe’s continued detention violates constitutional provisions, citing Article 53(2)(a) and Rule 31 of the Commission’s procedural rules.
“This is to direct you to cause the immediate release of Edward Rogers Ssebuufu from your custody, failure of which, you may be liable for contempt under Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution,” the order reads.
Mutwe, a longtime bodyguard to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (also known as Bobi Wine), has been in detention since April 27 without formal charges. The UHRC’s directive, officially received by the CDF’s office on May 2, adds pressure on the UPDF, which has faced increasing scrutiny over alleged illegal detentions of political opposition members.
Human rights activists, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), and legal experts have condemned Mutwe’s detention, calling it a breach of due process. Critics argue that such actions reflect a broader pattern of suppression targeting figures aligned with opposition politics.
This is not the first time the Commission’s orders have been defied. A similar directive issued last year for the release of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye was ignored, drawing rebuke from civil society and international human rights observers.
Legal analysts have warned that repeated defiance of UHRC directives threatens the authority of constitutional bodies and undermines public trust in state institutions.
As of publication, the UPDF had not publicly responded to the release order or indicated whether it intends to comply.
The UHRC, established under the 1995 Constitution, holds the authority to investigate human rights violations and issue binding recommendations. However, its enforcement mechanisms remain limited, often depending on the willingness of state organs to comply.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
