(Kampala) – Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has disclosed that he was admitted to Nsambya Hospital on September 4, 2024, following a violent police attack. Wine reported that upon learning of his admission, security operatives harassed hospital staff, demanding access to his medical records. The operatives also attempted to forcefully enter his treatment room but were thwarted by his supporters. Additionally, they obstructed roads leading to the hospital, disrupting traffic and putting other patients at risk.
Wine underwent minor surgery to remove foreign objects embedded in his leg but chose to leave the hospital earlier than planned. He cited concerns for his safety and the well-being of other patients as reasons for his decision to continue his recovery at home.
In his statement, Wine thanked his supporters for their messages of solidarity and promised to address the situation further in the near future.
As of the latest updates, Bobi Wine’s safety remains a significant concern, according to the National Unity Platform general secretary.
While returning home might offer some immediate respite from the direct threats he faced at the hospital, it also presents its own risks. The political climate in Uganda has been tense, with opposition figures frequently facing harassment and violence. Wine’s decision to speak out and his high profile make him a continued target for potential threats. His full statement was published on his social media accounts, which had been under control of an “Admin” for the previous 48 hours:
Dear friends,
As you may already be aware by now, following yesterday’s brutal attack by the Police, I was admitted to Nsambya Hospital for treatment. Once the regime learned of my admission, security operatives came to the hospital and harrased the doctors treating me, demanding for details of my medical records. They also made several attempts to forcefully access my treatment room but were held off by our vigilant comrades.
As if that wasn’t enough, they also blocked all roads leading to the hospital, thereby disrupting hospital traffic flow and endangering more lives. Consequently, after undergoing minor surgery to remove all foreign bodies that had remained in my leg, I decided to return home prematurely today for the sake of my safety, and out of consideration for other patients at Nsambya Hospital who do not deserve the inconvenience and intimidation.
I will get the rest of my treatment from home. Many thanks to all of you who continue to send kind messages of support and consolation. We will soon speak out.
