By Our Reporter
A major confrontation is unfolding between Uganda’s military leadership and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), following a defiant and inflammatory online outburst by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Senior Presidential Advisor and First Son, in response to a legally binding release order for detained opposition figure Edward Rogers Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe.
In a document dated 2nd May 2025 and stamped “RECEIVED” by the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces, the UHRC directed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to immediately release Eddie Mutwe, who has been in custody since 26th April 2025. The order, signed by UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, cites Article 53(2)(a) of the Constitution and finds Mutwe’s detention “unlawful.”
She further noted, the Commission warns that failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings under Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution, underscoring the legal weight of its directive.
Muhoozi’s Defiant Twitter Response
In response, Gen. Muhoozi launched a tirade on social media, dismissing the Commission’s letter as “STUPID” and “an abomination.” In his tweet, he wrote:
“LOL! If these people value the lives we gave them they MUST NEVER even think of sending me such a STUPID letter again! This is their last warning! I expect an apology.
He went further, openly admitting to the assault of Eddie Mutwe; “I take FULL responsibility for the actions of my soldiers! Including the long overdue beating of Eddie Mutwe. That was an appetizer!”
New Order On Dress Code Of Female Soldiers
In another tweet posted around the same time, Muhoozi unilaterally declared a new dress code policy for female UPDF soldiers, stating:
“All female comrades in the UPDF shall from now on march in skirts. Trousers are for men not for women. Anyone who forces our sisters to put on trousers on parade again will have a very bad day.”