Police Deny Shooting Bobi Wine, Claim Injury Resulted From Scuffle

By Gad Masereka

Kampala, Uganda — In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, was injured during a confrontation with police in Bulindo, Wakiso District. The incident occurred as Wine, accompanied by a large group of supporters, was leaving a Thanksgiving event hosted by his party’s lawyer, George Musisi.

A video posted by NUP on their official X handle sparked widespread concern as it showed Bobi Wine bleeding from his lower left leg while being rushed to a hospital. The opposition party quickly alleged that Wine had been shot by security forces during the altercation.

However, in a swift response, Kampala Metropolitan Police issued a statement refuting the claims. According to ACP Rusoke Kituuma, the police spokesperson, the scuffle erupted after Bobi Wine and his supporters attempted to hold a procession in Bulindo, despite police warnings against it.

“Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team disembarked from their vehicles and initiated a procession towards Bulindo town. Despite being advised to refrain from such actions, they persisted, resulting in police intervention to prevent the procession,” said Kituuma.

During the ensuing chaos, Kituuma stated that Wine’s injury was not a result of police action but rather an accident. “It is alleged that he stumbled while entering his vehicle, leading to the injury. However, Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team maintain that he was shot. An investigation is underway to ascertain the truth,” he added.

Bobi Wine was subsequently taken to Najaeem Medical Centre in Bulindo for immediate medical attention. The police have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident marks the latest in a series of confrontations between Bobi Wine and the Ugandan security forces, with tensions often flaring during his public appearances. Wine, a former musician-turned-politician, has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986. Wine’s presidential bid in 2021 ended in defeat, a result he has repeatedly challenged, citing widespread electoral irregularities.