The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, has called upon prominent elders from Western Uganda’s Ankole and Kigezi sub-regions to denounce what he describes as “tribal, sectarian talk and actions” by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and the country’s Chief of Defence Forces.
In a strongly worded letter dated May 6, 2025, addressed to notable figures, including Hon. Matthew Rukikaire, Hon. Nuwe Amanya Mushega, and Bishop Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, among others, Bobi Wine expressed deep concern over Gen. Muhoozi’s recent social media posts and alleged actions, which he claims are fuelling ethnic divisions and human rights violations in Uganda.
“Muhoozi has committed various crimes against humanity, including violent abductions and torture as well as the mass killing of over 150 citizens, which he commandeered between November 18th and 19th, 2020,” Bobi Wine alleges in the letter.
The opposition leader specifically references the recent abduction and alleged torture of his bodyguard, Edward Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, claiming that on April 27, 2025, Mutwe was abducted and held incommunicado until May 4, when he was presented in court in Masaka bearing visible signs of torture.
Mr Wine further alleges that Gen Muhoozi went on to post images of a half-naked and visibly tortured Mutwe on social media, boasting about the abuse and stating that Mutwe was being taught Runyankore, thereby exacerbating ethnic tensions.
“In addition to Eddie’s ordeal, many of our supporters who have been abducted and subjected to grave torture have confirmed that this is not mere rhetoric. Many, while being tortured, have been told to call the Kabaka to save them and to sing Ekitibwa kya Buganda while replacing “Sabasajja Kabaka” with “Ssabalwaanyi Museveni””!
Gen Muhoozi would later admit in a social media post via his @mkainerugaba handle to detaining Mutwe in his basement and posted a photo of him shirtless, stating he would release him only upon President Museveni’s command, actions that have intensified political tensions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections, with warnings of potential national instability.
In his three-page letter, Bobi Wine warned the Western Uganda elders that such actions could plunge the country into anarchy, stating, “As history teaches us, the worst catastrophes in human history did not begin with gas chambers or citizens killing each other. They began with degrading words, dehumanising actions, hateful rhetoric, intolerance, and the abuse of power by a few against the many.”
“One would expect the Museveni family to appreciate the people of Uganda (and the people of Buganda in particular) for hosting them and treating them with so much kindness over the years, right from the Luwero bush-war days. Instead, they are now being provoked and asked, “What can you do”?” he wondered.
The NUP principal has, therefore, urged the Ankole and Kigezi elders to disassociate themselves from what he describes as “barbaric, reckless impunity” and to caution President Museveni and General Muhoozi to exercise restraint.
“It falls on you, as some of the elders of Ankole and Kigezi sub-regions, to disassociate yourselves from this barbaric, reckless impunity and caution Gen. Tibuhaburwa Museveni and his brutal son to exercise restraint before these actions plunge our country into anarchy. Even if they do not listen to you, you will have gone on record and discharged your moral duty,” Bobi Wine wrote.
“The National Unity Platform assures you of its intentions to work for and create a free, united, and prosperous Uganda where every citizen will be treated with dignity. We also assure you of our readiness to engage with you all in a discussion aimed at furthering this objective,” he concluded.
