General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces has publicly demanded an apology from the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) following their issuance of a release order for opposition activist Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe.
The UHRC had issued the order on May 2, 2025, directing Gen Kainerugaba to immediately release Ssebuufu, who had been in military custody since April 26, 2025.
The commission stated that Ssebuufu’s detention was unlawful and warned that failure to comply could result in contempt charges under Article 53(1)(d) of the Ugandan Constitution.
Ssebuufu, a prominent figure in the National Unity Platform (NUP) and chief bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, was reportedly subjected to severe torture during his detention, including beatings, electrocution, and humiliation, as documented by multiple sources, including his lawyer and the justice minister.
In a fiery post on X at 10:19 AM EAT on May 15, Gen Kainerugaba dismissed the UHRC’s directive as “stupid” and issued a stern warning. “LOL! If these people value the lives we gave them they MUST NEVER even think of sending me such a STUPID letter again! This is their last warning! I expect an apology,” he wrote.
The post has sparked widespread concern, with many interpreting it as a direct threat to the UHRC and a challenge to the rule of law in Uganda.
Ssebuufu’s ordeal has drawn international attention, with reports indicating he was held in Gen Kainerugaba’s “basement” and subjected to brutal treatment.
The opposition activist appeared in court on May 5, visibly weak and showing signs of torture, before being charged with aggravated robbery and remanded to prison.
The NUP has condemned the detention as part of a broader crackdown on dissent ahead of the 2026 general elections, claiming over 2,000 abductions of activists since 2021.
Gen Kainerugaba’s latest remarks have intensified public outrage, with hashtags like #FreeEddieMutwe trending on X in early May.
Critics argue that his actions and statements reflect a growing impunity within Uganda’s military leadership, particularly as he is widely seen as being groomed to succeed his father, who has ruled for nearly four decades.
The general’s history of inflammatory social media posts, including threats to behead Bobi Wine and invade neighboring countries, has further fueled concerns about his unchecked power.
The UHRC has not yet responded to Gen Kainerugaba’s demand for an apology.