There were emotional scenes at the Masaka High Court on Tuesday as Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe—the head of security for National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi—broke down in court while pleading for urgent medical attention. He claims the severe injuries he is suffering stem from torture during his detention by military authorities.
Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza, a visibly frail Ssebuufu walked into the courtroom on crutches, shivering and wrapped in a shawl. Wearing a black T-shirt, he showed scars on his arms as he described the pain he continues to endure. His mother, wife, and several supporters wept openly during the proceedings.
“I am in constant pain and need immediate, specialized medical attention. My condition keeps worsening, and the authorities at Masaka prison have failed to provide the necessary care,” he told the court. He added that he takes up to 12 painkillers daily to cope with the pain.
His legal team, led by lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Magellan Kazibwe, supported the plea and asked the court to defer his trial until he can receive proper treatment.
Ssebuufu is facing multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, four counts of simple robbery, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was formally charged on May 5, nearly a week after he was allegedly abducted in Mukono and held incommunicado by military operatives.
His detention was later confirmed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Museveni, in a social media post stating that Ssebuufu was being held in a military basement.
Ssebuufu is charged alongside three other members of Kyagulanyi’s security detail—Achilleo Kivumbi, Mugumya Gadafi, and Grace Wakabi—who have been on remand since their arrest in November last year. The charges relate to a violent incident at a burial in Mmanja Village, Kissekka Sub-county in Lwengo District, where the group allegedly assaulted mourners, including two female journalists.
While Kivumbi, Gadafi, and Wakabi were committed to the High Court in March, Ssebuufu’s case had been delayed due to his poor health.
During Tuesday’s hearing, State Attorney Moses Wasereka opposed the request to halt proceedings, arguing that investigations were complete and the prosecution was ready to proceed.
Magistrate Kayiza ruled that Ssebuufu be committed to the High Court and advised his legal team to raise any medical-related concerns at that level. “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,” he stated.
He also directed Masaka Prison officials to transfer Ssebuufu to Murchison Bay Prison, where he can access better medical care.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, lawyer Samuel Muyizi confirmed they would petition the High Court to postpone the trial until Ssebuufu receives specialist treatment outside the prison system.
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