Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has demanded government action against General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of operating above the law following the alleged abduction and torture of National Unity Platform (NUP) bodyguard Edward Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe.
In a heated session on Tuesday, Ssenyonyi invoked Articles 21 and 28 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and the right to a fair and speedy trial, respectively. He questioned why General Muhoozi who admitted in a public post to detaining and “disciplining” Mutwe has not been held accountable.
Also Read
Musenero Hails Uganda’s Innovation Milestones Ahead Of National Science Week
UPDF Amendment Bill Sparks Concern Over Civilian Trials, Court Independence
Police Roll Out 24/7 Speed Surveillance As Road Deaths Soar
How to Build a Successful Non-Profit Organization in Africa
Government Suspends YY Coaches Over Fatal Crashes
DP In ICU, Needs Revival- Lumu Decries ‘Sham’ Vetting Ahead Of DP Elections
FDC Eyes Unity As Flag Bearer Vetting Takes Center Stage
“This Parliament is the custodian of the Constitution. No one should be above the law,” Ssenyonyi stated. “How does a government official abduct a citizen, detain him in a basement, and walk away with impunity?”
Ssenyonyi recounted that Mutwe had been missing for days after being picked up on April 27. While police initially denied knowledge of his whereabouts, Muhoozi later posted a photo of Mutwe in a distressed condition, claiming responsibility for his detention.
The Leader of Opposition further accused the Chief of Defence Forces of defying a summons from Parliament’s Defence Committee. “When the committee invited him, he called MPs ‘clowns’ and refused to appear,” Ssenyonyi said, urging the Speaker to take up the matter as a serious affront to parliamentary authority.
Speaker Anita Among acknowledged the magnitude of the issue but clarified that only her office holds the authority to issue formal summons. “Let’s focus on the real issue fair hearing and presumption of innocence,” she said.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao on the other hand reiterated his earlier condemnation of Mutwe’s abduction. He confirmed that the Ministry of Justice had issued a statement criticizing the illegal detention.
Pressed further by Ssenyonyi on whether any action would be taken against Muhoozi, Mao remained noncommittal. “People break laws every day. That doesn’t make them above the law,” he said.
Also Read
Bobi Wine, EU Envoy Meet Over Rights Abuses Ahead Of 2026 Polls
Lukwago Declares PFF Registration Complete, Mobilization Underway
Court Blocks Nalukoola’s Bid To Cross-Examine Nambi’s Witnesses
Lukolokomba Takes Over as Buikwe DP Chair, As Lulume Steps Down
Cardinal Reveals What It Was Like To Be Part Of Conclave
Speaker Among, meanwhile, called for expedited court proceedings but declined to pin blame directly on the CDF.
“As with any arrest police or military we must identify who carried it out and why. That’s where we must start,” she said.
Eddie Mutwe appeared in Masaka court on May 5, limping and with visible bruises according to his lawyers. Despite his injuries, no official has been held accountable for his alleged torture.
2 Comments