UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya’s Letter Sparks Outrage Over Vague Stance on Eddie Mutwe’s Unlawful Detention
The letter, addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba, subtly admits that Mutwe is being held by CDF—euphemistically described by the CDF himself as "in my basement." However, Wangadya’s use of the conditional phrase failure to comply, "you may be liable for contempt of the constitution article 53 (1) (d)” has drawn widespread condemnation for its ambiguity and apparent abdication of statutory duty.
Uganda Today Edition: UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya’s Letter Sparks Outrage Over Vague Stance on Eddie Mutwe’s Unlawful Detention
By Uganda Today Investigative Desk
www.ugandatoday.co.ug | May 2, 2025
A letter penned by the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has ignited a storm of criticism and legal scrutiny after she appeared to acknowledge the military’s unlawful detention of Eddie Mutwe, a close aide to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, without issuing a firm directive for his immediate release.
The letter, addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba, subtly admits that Mutwe is being held by CDF—euphemistically described by the CDF himself as “in my basement.” However, Wangadya’s use of the conditional phrase failure to comply, “you may be liable for contempt of the constitution article 53 (1) (d)” has drawn widespread condemnation for its ambiguity and apparent abdication of statutory duty.
Vague Diplomacy in Face of Illegal Detention
In the letter dated May 02, 2025, Wangadya stops short of unleashing full force of her authority to cause immediate release of Eddie Mutwe under illegal detention, despite the known constitutional provisions against unlawful imprisonment. Instead, she couches her appeal in soft, suggestive language:
“We understand that understand that you have, since April 26, 2025 Ssebuufu unlawfully detained or restricted Edward Rogers Ssebuufu , the Commission directs you to release him .”
Legal experts and human rights defenders argue that the wording effectively sanitizes what is, by constitutional definition, an illegal detention.
CDF’s Baseless Basement
The CDF’s X posts, which preceded Wangadya’s reply, openly admitted that Eddie Mutwe is being held at a classified military location “cynically deriding him that his learning Runyankore” This unrepentant admission of illegal detention has sparked renewed calls for the resignation of top military brass and now, Wangadya herself.
Civil society organizations argue that the phrase “may consider” reads as a polite appeal rather than a legal directive, effectively undermining the authority of the UHRC. By law, the Commission is empowered to demand the release of individuals detained beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit without trial.
Opposition Outcry and International Concern
Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), lashed out at the letter on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a cowardly endorsement of abduction and torture.”
The diplomatic community, including representatives from the EU and U.S. Mission in Uganda, has privately expressed concern over the mixed signals from the UHRC. According to a leaked diplomatic cable, “The UHRC chair appears to be handling the CDF without applying its full force drawn from the constitution, a legal grey zone in which torture and incommunicado detention are normalized.”
Human Rights Commission or Political Tool?
Critics say the letter confirms longstanding fears that the UHRC under Wangadya has shifted from being a watchdog to a lapdog of the regime.
“Wangadya’s language was carefully crafted not to offend the military, but that is not her job,” noted Dr. Lydia Namubiru, a constitutional law scholar. “She is there to uphold human rights, not to negotiate them away.”
As of publication, Eddie Mutwe remains in military custody without formal charges or access to legal counsel. Attempts by his family and lawyers to see him have been blocked repeatedly.
A Test of Independence
The unfolding scandal now presents a critical test of the independence and relevance of the UHRC in Uganda’s increasingly repressive political climate. Parliament’s Human Rights Committee is reportedly planning to summon Wangadya to explain the rationale behind her word choice and her seeming reluctance to invoke the Constitution.
Ugandans are left grappling with a painful question: if even the Human Rights Commission won’t stand up for the unlawfully detained, who will?
Editor’s Note: Uganda Today will continue to follow developments in this story, including potential court petitions and any response from the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
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