Tortured and shaken: Eddie Mutwe pleads for medical help

There were emotional scenes at Masaka court on Tuesday as Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the head of security for National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, appeared before Masaka grade one magistrate Abdallah Kayiza.

Mutwe is facing a string of charges, including aggravated robbery, four counts of simple robbery, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges stem from a political scuffle that occurred last year at a burial in Mmanja village, Kissekka sub-county, Lwengo district.

Appearing frail and visibly shaken, Mutwe entered court on crutches, wrapped in a shawl over a black short-sleeved T-shirt. He raised his arms in the dock, revealing scars of healing wounds, which he said were inflicted during his time in military detention. His testimony moved family and supporters to tears.

“I have a lot of pain. I urgently need serious medical attention because my situation has been worsening, and the Masaka prison authorities have since failed to manage it,” Mutwe pleaded with the magistrate.

He told court he is forced to take 12 painkillers daily just to manage the persistent pain from injuries sustained during torture. His lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizi and Magellan Kazibwe, requested that court defer the committal process and instead allow their client to receive specialised medical attention, including psychiatric care.

“The necessary specialised treatment is not available in Masaka Central Prison. Since his remand, he has received no medication besides painkillers. Today, he could hardly follow the court proceedings,” said Muyizi.

Mutwe’s co-accused Achilleo Kivumbi, Mugumya Gadafi, and Grace Wakabi have been on remand since November 2024 over the same incident. The prosecution claims the group assaulted and robbed mourners, including two female journalists who were covering the politically charged burial.

Despite the defence’s pleas, state attorney Moses Wasereka objected to delaying the trial, arguing that investigations were complete and the case was ready for committal.

Magistrate Kayiza ruled in favour of the state, ordering that Mutwe be committed to the High court for trial.

“Since the committal papers are ready, this court finds it proper to send the accused person to the High Court. You can proceed and make your prayers before that court when you appear,” the magistrate ruled.

He also ordered the Masaka Prison authorities to transfer Mutwe to Murchison Bay Prison, where he could access medical care. Mutwe’s lawyers have vowed to challenge the committal in the High court and to file a bail application, citing his deteriorating physical and psychological condition.

“Today, it was very clear Edward Ssebuufu was in the condition where he could not appreciate what was happening, not following save for his lawyers following on his behalf,” Muyizi emphasised.

Adding: “So he made two specific prayers. One, that committal should be deferred to such a time when he can appreciate court proceedings. That was denied. The second prayer was for him to obtain specialised medical attention. We’re talking about both medical and psychiatric help. His biggest problem is actually psychological. It is very apparent. That is going to form a basis for our application for bail.”

Mutwe’s appearance comes amid growing concerns over state abductions, torture, and incommunicado detention, which continue to draw condemnation from human rights groups and opposition leaders.