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By Stuart Lubwama– The Mwalimu
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
As I go for Juma prayers today, my heart is heavy with sorrow but also firm in conviction. I speak not only as a parliamentary contestant for Entebbe Municipality, but as a Ugandan, brother, and a believer in justice, human dignity, and the rule of law.
We have witnessed a deep violation of our Constitution and humanity itself. The reported abduction, torture, and public humiliation of Eddie Mutwe, a fellow Ugandan and bodyguard to Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), is not only morally repugnant but also legally unacceptable under both Ugandan and international law.
What the Law Says
Chapter 4 of the 1995 Constitution (the Supreme Law of Uganda) stresses the protection and promotion of Fundamental and other Human Rights and Freedoms. Article 20 thus states; Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the individual are inherent and not granted by the State.
Chapter 20 (2); The Rights and Freedoms of the individual and groups enshrined in this Chapter, shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of Government and by all persons.
Chapter 23 (2); A person arrested, restricted or detained shall be kept in a place authorised by law.
(3); A person arrested, restricted or detained shall be informed immediately, in a language that the person understands, of the reason for the arrest, restriction or detention and of his or her right to a lawyer of his or her choice.
The same Constitution goes ahead to instruct that a person arrested or detained shall, if not earlier released, be brought to court as soon as possible but in any case not later that 48 hours from the time of his or her arrest.
Article 23(7); A person unlawfully arrested, restricted or detained by any other person or authority, shall be entitled to compensation.
Article 24; No person shall be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. The same is echoed in Article 44 which prohibits torture, putting thus; Notwithstanding anything in this constitution, there shall be no derogation from the enjoyment of the following rights and freedoms-
(a) freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
(b) freedom from slavery or servitude
(c) the right to fair hearing
(d) the right to an order of habeas corpus
The Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2019 is more nuanced on the protection of human rights and freedoms. Section 11 (i) of the same Act states; It is an offence for a person to derogate from non-derogable rights and freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
The preceding Section (10) of the Human Rights Enforcement Act states;
(1) A public officer who, individually or in association with others, violates or participates in the violation of a person’s rights or freedoms shall be held personally liable for the violation notwithstanding the State being vicariously liable for his or her actions.
The same Act goes ahead to stipulate in detail, the remedies against other forms of Human Rights violation and stating the gravity of punishment to the offenders.
Other laws such as the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act (2012) also criminalizes torture by any person, including security officers.
The International Law to wit Uganda is party to the UN Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, protects every individual from abduction, arbitrary detention, and torture.
And yet, with all such safeguards in place, security officers in Uganda continue to act with impunity, in glaring broad day light- in violation of people’s rights and freedoms.
Our Stand and Our Hope
To Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and others involved in these illegal acts: Power is not a license to torture. It is a responsibility to serve and protect all Ugandans—regardless of their political beliefs. Publicly mocking a tortured man is an act of cowardice, not strength.
To those still missing, those afraid, and those targeted: You are not alone. We see you. We hear your pain. And we will not be silent.
To the people of Entebbe and Uganda at large: Do not lose hope. Let this injustice deepen our resolve to restore dignity, constitutional order, and truth in this land. We stand firm, grounded in our faith and in our laws, and we say: Enough is enough.
As we bow our heads in prayer today, let us remember those unjustly imprisoned, and pray for their freedom, healing, and justice. May Allah grant us the strength to speak the truth, even when it is hard, and to protect the oppressed, even when it is dangerous.
Justice will prevail. For Entebbe, for Uganda, for all of us.
LUBWAMA STUART,
NATIONAL UNITY PLATFORM,
Parliamentary Candidate,
Entebbe Municipality 2026-2031.
For Justice. For People. For Change.
About The Author
