Masaka, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has publicly apologized to Masaka-based journalist Gertrude Mutyaba after wrongly accusing her of playing a role in the detention of his bodyguards.
Addressing journalists at Masaka, Kyagulanyi admitted that Mutyaba’s name was mistakenly included in a list of journalists he earlier claimed had filed complaints against his security team.
The claims, made amid ongoing tensions between NUP supporters and members of the media, followed a May 2024 scuffle at the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba in Lwengo District.
“At yesterday’s press conference, we read out names of journalists we believed had been used to bring bogus charges against our comrades. Unfortunately, Gertrude Mutyaba of NTV was mistakenly included in that list. I want to clarify and apologize for that error,” Kyagulanyi said.
The incident, which saw journalists including Zainabu Namusaazi (Next Media) and Margaret Kayondo (Radio Simba) report damage to their equipment, has sparked considerable backlash online, with some NUP supporters targeting journalists on social media.
On a visit to Masaka Prison to check on his detained bodyguard Eddie Mutwe, Kyagulanyi emphasized the importance of separating genuine media professionals from political manipulation.
He also acknowledged journalists like Farish Magembe (NBS) for openly speaking the truth about the events.
“I thank those journalists who have stood on the side of the truth. I urge the rest to dissociate themselves from torture and brutality. Journalists are not our enemies,” he said.
According to sources, the NUP leadership has since contacted both Mutyaba and her employer to personally convey their apology and express regret over the reputational harm caused.
Kyagulanyi also used the platform to highlight what he described as inhumane treatment faced by Eddie Mutwe in detention.
“Eddie Mutwe is in terrible condition. He was tortured, stripped, forced to wear a Museveni T-shirt, and is being made to salute the President’s portrait daily,” Kyagulanyi claimed. “His wounds are still fresh. He should be in a hospital, not rotting in prison.”
He called on Ugandans and the international community to demand Mutwe’s immediate release for proper medical treatment.
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