Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe , the head of security for opposition leader Bobi Wine stunned onlookers when he declared he begged court to have his arms chopped off or allow him urgent medical care.
Mutwe, who appeared frail and visibly in pain, made a desperate plea before the Masaka High Court, saying: “I take 12 painkillers every day. I feel terrible pain. If they must cut off my arms, let it be done now so I can get treatment.”
He was appearing alongside fellow National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters Achileo Kivumbi, Gaddafi Mugumya, and Smart Wakabi. The group faces serious charges of aggravated robbery linked to a violent incident in Masaka on April 24.
Mutwe faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, simple robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and malicious damage to property. The prosecution alleges that on May 18, 2024, in Manja village, Lwengo District, Mutwe and co-accused individuals robbed journalist Margaret Kayondo of her mobile phone and other items, threatening her with weapons. Additional charges involve the alleged robbery and assault of other individuals during the same incident
But Mutwe’s lawyers say the real crime is what’s happening to him behind bars.
Human rights lawyers Samuel Muyizzi, Benjamin Katana, and George Musisi accused security agencies of torturing Mutwe and defying court orders. The Uganda Human Rights Commission had earlier ruled his detention unlawful and issued a release order.
Court has now set Wednesday as the day to consider bail and review medical reports on the accused’s health.
