Bobi Wine out of danger: tear gas grenade fragments are removed from his leg

On Wednesday, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, underwent minor surgery to remove suspected fragments of a tear gas grenade from his left front leg.

The intervention was preceded by a violent confrontation between Bobi Wine and armed security guards.

Incident details: Injuries during confrontation in Wakiso district

Bobi Wine suffered the injury on Tuesday when a tear gas grenade fired at him during an altercation with security officials in Wakiso district ripped his trousers and injured his leg.

The incident was widely condemned by various opposition leaders and sparked concern about increasing violence against political opponents in Uganda.

Strict security measures at Nsambya Hospital

After his injury, Bobi Wine spent the night at Nsambya Hospital, where he was closely monitored by doctors.

The hospital grounds were heavily guarded and security forces cordoned off the area as dozens of visitors tried to check on the opposition leader.

Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who visited Bobi Wine, reported that the operation was successful and the fragments were removed without penetrating the bone.

The reaction of the opposition leaders

NUP lawyer George Musisi confirmed on Wednesday morning that Bobi Wine was stable and out of danger.

NUP spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi also pointed out that X-ray reports had discovered fragments of a tear gas grenade in Bobi Wine's leg.

Veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye condemned the police action and described the injuries as the result of “tear grenades,” which are often used by the police against the political opposition.

He criticized the Uganda Police Force (UPF) for its ongoing human rights violations.

Former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga and other opposition leaders, including Ingrid Turinawe, demanded that the police explain the “brutal and indiscriminate attack”.

Legal and political implications

Meanwhile, NUP lawyers and officials are expected to visit Kira police station to seek the release of at least four detainees and three motorcycles seized in the incident in which Bobi Wine was injured while returning from a private event.

NUP lawyer Musisi accused the police of being an armed wing of the ruling party and of targeting those they see as opponents of the government. He called on Ugandans to demand that the police respect the law and stop their violent tactics.

Police reaction and investigation

In response to the incident, police spokeswoman Kituuma Rusoke announced that an investigation would be launched to clarify the events.

Police claimed Bobi Wine's leg injury was caused by a fall while getting into his vehicle, while Bobi Wine's team claimed he was shot.

Context: Previous incidents involving Bobi Wine

This latest incident is reminiscent of the tragic events of 2018, when Bobi Wine's bodyguard and driver Yasin Kawuma was shot dead during a violent arrest in northern Uganda.

At the time, Bobi Wine and his supporters were accused of throwing stones at President Museveni's convoy, but they denied the accusation.