The family of Ssebuufu Edward, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, has appealed to the leadership of Buganda Kingdom to stand in solidarity with Ugandans, particularly the Baganda, who have been subjected to arrests and alleged kidnappings.
Speaking from the family home in Katooke Lugoba village, Kawempe North, Kampala, on Monday, May 5, 2025, Ssenabulya Juma Omutaka Kiseyeeye Owesiga of the Engo clan urged the Buganda Kingdom establishment, including the Kabaka and Katikiro, to take a stand against the ongoing arrests of their subjects.
“My appeal is to the Kabaka of Buganda and the Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga.When Baganda children (bazukulu) are being arrested in Buganda, the Mengo institution should rise up and condemn such actions,” Ssenabulya said.
Ssenabulya expressed concern that these arrests were sowing seeds of division and hatred, especially against the backdrop of political differences. He emphasized that the Baganda have always been known for their welcoming nature toward other tribes and their inclusive culture.
“In Buganda, we don’t discriminate against anyone. We’ve never forced anyone to learn Luganda, but when you arrest Ssebuufu, shave his beard, and force him to learn Runyankole, you are fostering tribalism and hatred,” Ssenabulya added.
Nantumbwe Jane, Eddie Mutwe’s mother, with a heartfelt plea for her son’s release, emphasized that Eddie had been the family’s primary breadwinner. With Eddie now in detention, she explained that the entire family was struggling.
“For all these years, it’s Eddie who has been taking care of me and his children. Please release him, dead or alive. If he committed any crime, take him to court and charge him. The kids are about to go back to school, and we need money for school fees, food, and other basic necessities,” Nantumbwe said.
Kaweesa Steven, the Local Council I (LCI) chairman of Katooke village, also spoke out in defense of Eddie Mutwe. He described Eddie as a disciplined and law-abiding resident of the community, emphasizing that his family had never encountered any issues with local authorities.
“I’ve known Eddie and his family for a long time. They’ve never been a problem in the community.I’m asking the president and everyone involved to release Eddie Mutwe. Supporting the opposition is not a crime, and being a bodyguard to Kyagulanyi is just the job Eddie does to support his family,” Kaweesa said.
According to NUP spokesperson David Lewis Rubongoya, Eddie Mutwe and two other individuals were arrested on Sunday, May 27, 2025, in Mukono District.
On May 1, 2025, a tweet by Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba further ignited controversy. General Muhoozi claimed that Eddie Mutwe was in his custody and undergoing “Runyankore lessons,” a statement that has since gone viral and triggered intense discussions on social media and mainstream media.
The situation has highlighted ongoing concerns about political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda. As of now, Eddie Mutwe’s family and supporters are demanding justice, urging the government to either charge him in court or release him immediately.
