Eddie Mutwe, the longtime bodyguard and head of security for opposition leader Bobi Wine, was abducted on Sunday evening in Kiwango village, Mukono District. The incident was confirmed by Bobi Wine, who described it as part of an ongoing campaign to intimidate the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its supporters.
“Tonight, my head of security, Eddie Mutwe, was violently abducted by heavily armed men in Mukono. This is a cowardly act meant to intimidate us, but we shall not be silenced,” Bobi Wine said in a statement.
According to eyewitnesses, the abduction occurred around 8:00 PM local time. A group of armed men, some reportedly wearing uniforms resembling those of Uganda’s Special Forces Command (SFC), arrived in a Toyota van — commonly referred to as a “drone” — and forcibly seized Mutwe. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
The National Unity Platform condemned the abduction, calling it a blatant act of political repression.
“The abduction of Eddie Mutwe is part of the regime’s desperate attempts to suppress the NUP and the broader fight for justice. We demand his immediate release,” a party member said.
As of the time of reporting, Ugandan authorities had not issued any official comment regarding the incident.
A Pattern of Political Repression
Eddie Mutwe has been a prominent figure within the NUP, providing security at rallies, protests, and public events. His disappearance comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition members, particularly as Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections.
Bobi Wine has consistently accused President Yoweri Museveni’s government of targeting opposition leaders through arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and acts of intimidation. Mutwe’s abduction echoes previous incidents, including the 2024 abduction of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Kenya.
Human rights organizations have long raised concerns about Uganda’s deteriorating human rights situation. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized the government’s use of abductions to silence political dissent.
Calls for International Intervention
In his statement, Bobi Wine urged the international community to intervene and hold the Ugandan government accountable for ongoing human rights violations.
“We call upon the world to pay attention and to act. The abductions, the violence, and the intimidation must stop,” he said.
Supporters of the NUP have taken to social media to demand Mutwe’s immediate release, using hashtags to raise international awareness of his disappearance.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains tense as NUP officials, activists, and supporters await any news regarding Eddie Mutwe’s fate. His abduction underscores the escalating risks faced by opposition figures in Uganda and the increasingly volatile political environment in the lead-up to 2026.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Update: Uganda POLICE has blocked the upcoming Youth Protest Vote
Uganda Police Force Bans National Unity Platform’s Youth Protest Vote Launch
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a stern directive prohibiting the scheduled launch of the youth protest vote by the National Unity Platform, set for April 28, 2025, at the party’s headquarters. In a press release dated April 27, 2025, the UPF stated that the event and any related activities will not be permitted, citing public interest concerns. The police have formally cautioned all individuals and groups against participating in or facilitating the launch, urging full compliance with the directive to avoid legal consequences.
