The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, has condemned the alleged torture of Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi.
Ssebuufu was produced in Masaka Court on May 5, 2025, with visible signs of torture after being abducted by security operatives on April 27, 2025.
Ssebuufu was seen limping and walking with support from two men, with both his hair and beard shaved off clean.
He was charged with six counts of robbery and assault, allegedly committed during the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba in Lwengo district last year.
The charges include stealing smartphones, robbing 200,000 shillings, and causing grievous bodily harm to several individuals.
Mao emphasized that the constitutional presumption of innocence is non-negotiable and that no citizen should be subjected to punishment without due process.
He condemned the practice of bringing illegally detained and tortured suspects before the courts, calling it an abuse of judicial processes.
Mao cited a landmark ruling in the case of Uganda vs Robert Ssekabira and 10 others, where Justice Ralph Ochan ordered the stoppage of tainted proceedings against petitioners due to flagrant constitutional violations.
Government’s Response to Human Rights Violations
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has:
– Finalized the National Action Plan for Human Rights awaiting Cabinet approval
– Established a Standing Committee on Human Rights to intervene in human rights violations
– Planned a Toll-Free Line for reporting human rights abuses
Mao urged those in authority to uphold their oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, quoting Edmund Burke: “Law and arbitrary power are in eternal enmity”.
Ssebuufu’s lawyer, Magellan Kazibwe, plans to seek medical care for his client pending prosecution.
Ssebuufu was remanded to Masaka Central Prison until May 25, 2025, for further updates on the investigation.
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