Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was injured on Tuesday during a tense standoff with Police in the Bulindo area of Kiira Division, Wakiso District.
The incident occurred as the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader and his supporters clashed with law enforcement officers during a procession to his residence in Magere.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Police had set up roadblocks to redirect Bobi Wine’s convoy, advising him to use an alternative route due to the heavy traffic disruption caused by the large crowds accompanying his procession.
Police officials also urged the opposition leader to intervene and instruct his supporters—many of whom are known as his “foot soldiers”—to avoid causing further chaos or engaging in confrontations with security operatives.
Instead of complying, Bobi Wine exited his vehicle and instructed his supporters to push forward into a nearby town of Kiira, drawing an even larger crowd to join the procession.
This escalated the tension between his supporters and Police forces, compelling officers to use force in a bid to disperse the growing crowd.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with Police firing teargas to break up the gathering.
In the midst of the chaos, Bobi Wine, who was standing outside his vehicle, sustained an injury.
According to witnesses, a teargas canister was fired beneath his vehicle, causing an explosion that dislodged sharp objects from the ground.
A stone struck Bobi Wine’s leg, leaving him visibly injured and in pain.
He was seen hobbling with assistance from his team and was later rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
While the NUP leadership initially claimed that Bobi Wine had been shot by security forces in an assassination attempt, new reports suggest that the injury was caused by debris thrown up by the teargas blast, including the stone that hit his leg.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Bobi Wine’s supporters and raised fresh concerns over the escalating tensions between the opposition and President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP Secretary General, condemned the incident, calling it yet another cowardly attack on Bobi Wine and accusing the government of continuing to suppress political dissent.
“This is yet another attempt on Hon. Kyagulanyi’s life. The ongoing violence against those who oppose the Museveni regime must be condemned by all people of good conscience,” Rubongoya said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Police, however, defended their actions, stating that their officers were forced to act after Bobi Wine’s supporters defied orders and continued to advance. They also stated that they would conduct an investigation to clarify the exact circumstances that led to Bobi Wine’s injury.
Bobi Wine, a dancehall singer-turned-politician, has emerged as President Museveni’s most formidable opponent, gaining significant support, particularly among the youth.
This latest incident underscores the increasing political tension in the country.
Bobi Wine’s injury will likely intensify the already charged political atmosphere, with his supporters calling for accountability.