Edward Ssebuufu, aka Eddie Mutwe and the personal bodyguard to National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, has been formally charged with six counts of robbery and assault by the Masaka Magistrate’s court.

Mutwe was abducted by security operatives from Mukono district on April 27, 2025, and held incommunicado for several days. His detention was only acknowledged last week by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who admitted Mutwe was being held in his basement. 

On Monday, Mutwe was presented before the court under tight security, escorted by plain-clothed armed operatives driving a white Toyota Hiace commonly referred to as a “drone.” 

He appeared in court limping, dressed in a dark blue shirt and black jeans folded up to the knees, supported by two men. Masaka grade one magistrate Abudallah Kayiza read out six charges of aggravated robbery, robbery, and assault which are alleged to have taken place in May 2024 during the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba at Manja village in Kisekka sub-county, Lwengo district. 

Mutwe was taken into the magistrate’s chambers for a closed-door session attended only by his lawyer Magellan Kazibwe and state attorney Michael Wakosesa where charges were read to him. 

According to the charge sheet, Mutwe will be tried alongside three other members of Kyagulanyi’s security team; Achilleo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi alias Smart-wa-Bobi, and Gadafi Mugumya who were charged in February and are currently on remand at Masaka Central Prison. 

The group is accused of assaulting journalists during the burial, including damaging a video camera belonging to Zainabu Namusaazi of Next Media Group and destroying a smartphone belonging to Radio Simba correspondent Margret Kayondo. 

They also face accusations of stealing two smartphones, robbing Shs 200,000, and causing grievous bodily harm to three individuals allegedly using sharp bayonets. State attorney Wakosesa noted that additional suspects are still at large and will be charged jointly once apprehended. 

Magistrate Kayiza remanded Mutwe to Masaka Central Prison until May 25, 2025, when court will review the progress of investigations. Mutwe’s legal team has indicated plans to petition the court to allow the suspect access to medical care pending prosecution. By URN / The Observer