Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s son and senior presidential advisor, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked controversy after a series of online posts in which he claims responsibility for the detention of Eddie Mutwe, a close aide to opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine. The statements, made on X (formerly Twitter), suggest that Mutwe is being held in a private location and subjected to degrading treatment.
Bobi Wine had earlier alleged that Eddie Mutwe was abducted from Kiwango village in Mukono District by armed men dressed in Special Forces Command (SFC) uniforms. The men were reportedly travelling in a Toyota van, locally referred to as a “drone”, which has become a symbol of feared disappearances in Uganda. The SFC is an elite unit of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), previously commanded by Gen Muhoozi.
In one of his online posts, Gen Muhoozi wrote, “He is in my basement. Learning Runyankore. You are next.” The statement appeared to be directed at Bobi Wine himself. The general then continued to comment on Eddie Mutwe’s alleged condition in custody, stating, “Eddie started crying as soon as the boys grabbed him… his Runyankore is improving these days.” He further wrote, “The beards were the first thing the boys removed. After he finished crying and urinating. If you see Eddie’s head now he looks like an egg. Totally clean.”
These comments have raised alarm among observers, with many questioning whether the general was speaking literally or using exaggeration for effect. In a follow-up post, Gen Muhoozi said, “I can’t release Eddie now. It will be unfair to me and him. He is learning Runyankore and we are both training for Kabobi,” again using the nickname he uses to refer to Bobi Wine.
The tone of the tweets escalated as Muhoozi issued further warnings. In one message, he wrote, “Next is Kabobi. I have never joked in my life. I don’t know why people think my tweets are jokes.” In another post, he added, “If Kabobi abuses anybody in my family again, he will imperil Eddie even more than he already has.” Perhaps the most disturbing claim came in the form of a threat: “I haven’t started. I still have to castrate him.”
These statements have not been independently verified, and there has been no official comment from the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, or the Special Forces Command. However, Gen Muhoozi’s remarks appear to confirm Bobi Wine’s original allegation that Mutwe was abducted by armed men believed to be part of state security services.
A photo was also posted by Gen Muhoozi on his social media account, purporting to show Eddie Mutwe in captivity. The authenticity of the image has not been verified, and it remains unclear when and where it was taken.
Bobi Wine responded on his X account, saying, “Museveni’s son confirms that our brother Eddie Mutwe is being detained in his basement, ‘Learning Runyankore’. Time will tell.” The opposition leader has long accused the Ugandan government of targeting his supporters with arrests, disappearances, and harassment.
Human rights organisations have not yet released official statements on the situation. However, groups such as Amnesty International and Chapter Four Uganda have previously raised concerns over the use of “drone vans” to abduct government critics. These organisations have warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and contribute to a climate of fear and repression.
The series of statements by Gen Muhoozi has triggered a wave of concern among opposition supporters, civil society activists, and international observers. Many have called for an independent investigation into the whereabouts and condition of Eddie Mutwe. The lack of response from the government has only fuelled speculation and anxiety about the situation.
Gen Muhoozi, who has used social media in the past to make controversial remarks, has often been criticised for blurring the line between official policy and personal rhetoric. His recent posts, however, appear to go beyond political provocation and suggest the possible involvement of state forces in arbitrary detention and mistreatment of political opponents.
As of now, the Ugandan government has not issued a formal response to Gen Muhoozi’s claims or provided information on the status of Eddie Mutwe. The silence has left many questions unanswered and increased pressure on the authorities to clarify the situation.
busiinge@dailynile.com
