Katikkiro Asks Muhoozi to Hand Eddie Mutwe Over to Police

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to hand over opposition figure Edward Ssebuufu—widely known as Eddie Mutwe—to the Police and allow lawful prosecution, rather than detaining him incommunicado under military custody.

Speaking during the official opening of this year’s Buganda Lukiiko at Bulange, Mengo, Mayiga emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and warned against politically motivated arrests and arbitrary detention.

“In such cases, due process must be followed. Let the police investigate and the courts decide,” the Katikkiro said in reference to Gen Muhoozi’s recent public admission that Mutwe, the chief bodyguard to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), was in military detention.

Mutwe had been missing since April 27 until Gen Muhoozi confirmed—through a series of provocative social media posts—that he was being held at Makindye Military Barracks, allegedly to be "taught Runyankore" and "understand the NRM’s national role."

A photograph shared by Muhoozi showed a visibly distressed Mutwe, clean-shaven and shirtless, drawing widespread condemnation.

The National Unity Platform (NUP), to which Mutwe is affiliated, described the images and Muhoozi’s remarks as evidence of torture and state brutality.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and party president Bobi Wine have both decried what they call a blatant abuse of power and urged Ugandans to stand in solidarity with Mutwe and other political prisoners.

Addressing the rising political temperature ahead of the 2026 general elections, Mayiga dismissed Gen Muhoozi’s suggestions of growing tribal tension, cautioning Ugandans to reject divisive narratives.

“We must not allow our country to be dragged into tribal chaos,” he said. “Ugandans should remain watchful and united.”

He also urged government agencies to refrain from extrajudicial practices such as abductions and the politicization of law enforcement, warning that such actions threaten national cohesion.

In his broader address to the Lukiiko—a central institution in the governance of Buganda—the Katikkiro focused on the kingdom’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture.

He pointed to ongoing challenges such as the distribution of substandard coffee seedlings, counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides, and rampant theft affecting farmers across the region.

“Our farmers deserve better,” he said. “We need urgent, coordinated efforts to ensure quality inputs and to protect livelihoods.”

The Lukiiko sitting brought together ministers and subjects of the kingdom, reaffirming Buganda’s commitment to justice, accountability, and inclusive development.

Mayiga’s remarks come at a time of growing concern over the use of military force in political matters and the increasing visibility of human rights violations shared openly by state actors online.

As the legal and civic communities continue to call for transparency and restraint, the Katikkiro’s call for due process and unity adds to the national chorus urging a return to constitutionalism in the face of rising political tension.

Mayiga urges lawful process and cautions against abductions and tribal rhetoric ahead of 2026 elections