The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has strongly condemned the treatment of Edward Sebuufu, commonly known as Eddie Mutwe, who appeared in Masaka High Court on Monday in a visibly frail condition, showing signs of torture.
In a statement issued Monday evening, Minister Mao emphasized that no citizen should face punishment without being lawfully convicted through due process.
“Bringing illegally detained, brutalized, and tortured suspects before the courts of law is an abuse of judicial processes that stems from the violation of suspects’ constitutional rights and should be roundly condemned,” the statement reads in part.
He called on the courts to act swiftly and handle such matters with urgency, guided by established legal precedent.
Mao also disclosed that the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has finalized a National Action Plan for Human Rights, which is set to be presented to Cabinet for approval.
“In addition, Cabinet has established a Standing Committee on Human Rights, which intervenes through official channels to ensure redress in cases of human rights violations. The Ministry will soon launch a toll-free line for reporting such cases,” he added.
Eddie Mutwe, a bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, was presented in court a week after his alleged abduction in Mukono District. Limping and in apparent pain, he was charged with aggravated robbery and assault. The court remanded him to Masaka Prison until May 25.
Mutwe is set to appear alongside his co-accused—Achilleo Kivumbi, Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi Smart—also bodyguards to Bobi Wine, who have been in remand since February.
