National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has alleged that his chief bodyguard, Edward Ssebufu (also known as Eddie Mutwe), endured severe torture during his detention in military custody prior to appearing in court on May 5, 2025.
Speaking to journalists outside Masaka Main Prison on May 7, Kyagulanyi said Ssebufu described being subjected to waterboarding, electrocution, and brutal beatings that left him unconscious with serious injuries to his limbs.
“He is in excruciating pain, unable to sleep, and both mentally and physically unstable. He has wounds all over his body and is shivering. The prison health centre, which is only a level III facility, is not equipped to manage his condition. We call upon the public to seek justice and pray for his healing,” said Kyagulanyi, who recently announced his 2026 presidential bid.
Kyagulanyi criticized authorities for denying Ssebufu access to specialized medical treatment outside the prison.
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Ssebufu, aged 43, was charged alongside three other NUP security personnel—Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart—on allegations of robbery, assault, and property damage. All four are detained at Masaka Main Prison.
NUP leaders claim the charges are politically driven and aim to undermine Kyagulanyi ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Kyagulanyi also issued a public apology to journalist Gertrude Mutyaba of Nation Media Group, whom he had mistakenly implicated in the arrest of his team. He commended journalists like Farish Magembe of GREMAJA for remaining committed to the truth and resisting involvement in state-led crackdowns.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya also confirmed Ssebufu’s account of torture, recounting that he was gagged and water poured over his face in a simulated drowning.
Ssebufu’s mother, Jane Nantumbwe, appealed to authorities to allow him proper medical care before any trial proceedings. “We are not opposed to justice, but he should first receive medical treatment,” she stated.
George Musisi, one of the lawyers representing the accused, revealed that Ssebufu has requested bail and that the legal team plans to petition for dismissal of charges on grounds of human rights violations.
According to the revised charge sheet, the group is accused of robbing journalist Margaret Kayondo of Radio Simba on May 18, 2024, in Lwengo District, allegedly taking her sweater and mobile phone worth Shs730,000 under threats with sharp objects.
They also face accusations of assaulting NBS Television reporter Zainab Namusazi and damaging her Shs1.5 million video camera during the same incident. The alleged crimes occurred during the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba, where journalists reportedly faced resistance from NUP supporters.
Additional victims in the case include Murungi Rodgers—who allegedly lost a mobile phone, cash, a jumper, and a national ID worth Shs870,000—as well as John Mulazi, Drake Lubega, and Haruna Ssekitto, who also reported stolen items.
The case is scheduled for further mention on May 25, 2025.
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