Police Deny Shooting Bobi Wine Amidst Violent Scuffle

(Wakiso) – Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, was hospitalized on Tuesday evening after sustaining an injury to his left leg during a confrontation with police in Bulindo, Wakiso District. The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and former presidential candidate was returning from a Thanksgiving ceremony for his party lawyer, George Musisi, when the incident occurred.

According to eyewitnesses and NUP sources, as Bobi Wine’s convoy left the ceremony, crowds gathered to accompany him in a procession. Police intervened, reportedly attempting to disperse the crowd, which led to a heated altercation. Amidst the chaos, it is alleged by NUP officials that Bobi Wine was shot in the leg. This claim was supported by a video posted on the NUP’s official social media accounts, showing Bobi Wine bleeding before being wheeled into a hospital.

The police, however, provided a different account. According to a statement released by Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma, the police had advised against the procession, citing concerns about safety and traffic disruption. Despite these warnings, Bobi Wine and his team reportedly insisted on proceeding, leading to police intervention. The statement emphasized that the injury occurred when Bobi Wine stumbled while getting into his vehicle, not from a gunshot.

To address the conflicting reports, the police have announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the injury. Bobi Wine was initially treated at Najaeem Medical Centre in Bulindo before being transferred to St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya for further care.

Bobi Wine, a former musician who has become a leading opposition figure, has frequently found himself at odds with the Ugandan authorities. His political activities, which include a presidential run in 2021 where he lost to President Yoweri Museveni, have often been met with resistance from the government. The 2021 election was marred by allegations of widespread fraud, and since then, Bobi Wine has continued to challenge Museveni’s administration, advocating for democracy and human rights.

The incident in Bulindo is the latest in a series of confrontations between Bobi Wine and the security forces. Although street confrontations have been common, this marks the first time that Bobi Wine has been wounded in such a manner. The NUP has framed the injury as an intentional act by the state to suppress opposition, while the police have urged for a careful and unbiased investigation to establish the facts.

Bobi Wine’s injury has further intensified the already tense political atmosphere in Uganda.

Bobi Wine Injured in Wakiso: Claims of Shooting Disputed