Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 806
- 509
The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Wangadya, has reignited public attention to the now-infamous "basement" that's always referenced by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
"I'm interested in knowing where the basement is. I don't know whether there's one or several," Wangadya said, as the Commission continues to pursue allegations of unlawful detention and torture.
The "basement" became a subject of national debate in May 2025 after Gen. Muhoozi posted on X that opposition leader Bobi Wine's chief civilian bodyguard, Edward Ssebuufu, commonly known as Eddie Mutwe, was "in my basement learning Runyankore." At the time.
Eddie Mutwe had disappeared for several days before resurfacing in poor physical condition and was later produced before court.
The remarks drew widespread criticism from human rights groups and prompted Wangadya to order his immediate release, warning that continued detention would amount to contempt of the Commission's constitutional authority.
Since then, the term "basement" has become a symbol in Uganda's political discourse, with opposition figures and rights activists alleging that some detainees are held in undisclosed locations before being formally presented in court. Among those whose supporters have alleged being held in such facilities are former Kampala load mayor and Lawyer to Dr.Kiiza Besigye Erias Lukwago, as well as veteran politician Miria Matembe and other government critics, although authorities have consistently denied operating illegal detention centres.
More about the basement 👇
Wangadya's latest remarks signal that the Commission is still seeking answers about the alleged locations and the circumstances under which suspects are reportedly held outside the legally recognised detention system.
Watch 👇
