Bobi Wine Reportedly ‘Seriously Injured’ in Police Confrontation, According to His Party

Uganda’s main opposition leader Bobi Wine has been “seriously injured” in a confrontation with police, his party the National Unity Platform (NUP) said Tuesday.

The NUP reported on social media that Wine was shot in the leg in an alleged attempt on his life, near the capital Kampala. Contrarily, local police claim the injury occurred when the popstar-turned-politician “stumbled while getting into a vehicle.”

Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was a prominent opposition candidate in the January 2021 presidential elections and was defeated by President Yoweri Museveni. Museveni, claiming victory for a sixth term, faced widespread accusations of electoral fraud and intimidation.

According to a post by the NUP on ‘X’, Wine was in Bulindo to meet with a lawyer when “police and military forces surrounded our vehicles and began shooting live bullets, launching teargas canisters, and other projectiles.”

According to the NUP, Wine “was clearly targeted” and shot in the leg.

“Security operatives have made an attempt on the life of President Bobi Wine,” the NUP claimed on X.

Related article: Yoweri Museveni Fast Facts

Images posted on his own ‘X’ account show Wine bleeding and lying in a hospital bed, with a bleeding injury on his shin. A statement on his account said he is being treated by doctors after the shooting.

Local police told CNN in a statement that they intervened after Wine’s group blocked the road without permission. Despite being warned not to organize an event in the road, Wine “insisted on proceeding and closing the road, leading to police intervention to prevent the procession,” the police statement said.

“During the ensuing altercation, it is alleged that he sustained injuries. Police officers on site claim he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, causing the injury, whereas Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team assert that he was shot,” the police statement said, adding that an investigation is being conducted.

Wine has faced multiple arrests by Ugandan security forces over the years, particularly in the lead-up to Uganda’s controversial elections. He told CNN in a 2021 interview that he felt his life was in danger.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!