Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine shot in the leg by security forces, party claims

Uganda's main opposition leader Bobi Wine, who has emerged as the strongest opponent of long-time President Yoweri Museveni, was reportedly shot in the leg by security forces in a northern suburb of Kampala on Tuesday, his party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), said.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, rose to prominence as a pop star before turning to politics, finishing second in the 2021 presidential election to challenge Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), NUP claimed: “Security forces carried out an attempt on his life. He was shot in the leg and seriously injured.” The incident occurred as Wine and his team were reportedly marching down a street in the Bulindo district when the clash occurred.

The Ugandan police have given a different account of events. According to a statement on X, officers on the ground attempted to stop Wine and his team, which led to a confrontation in which Wine was injured. “Police officers on the ground claim that he tripped while getting into his vehicle and sustained injuries, while Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team claim that he was shot,” the police statement said.

A video circulating on social media shows NUP officials helping Wine as he limps out of the Najeem Medical Centre, with a bleeding wound on his left shin and a pained expression on his face.

In addition, a spokesperson's post on Wine's official X page said: “Our President, His Excellency Bobi Wine, was shot in the leg by police in Bulindo! He has been rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention. We will keep the country updated on his situation.”

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly act” and another attempt on Wine's life. “The ongoing violence against those opposing the Museveni regime must be condemned by all people of good conscience,” Rubongoya wrote.

Opponents and human rights activists have repeatedly accused Museveni's government of suppressing the opposition. However, Museveni has always denied these allegations.

The incident has further heightened tensions in Uganda, where the political climate continues to be marked by allegations of human rights abuses and a crackdown on dissent.

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