Uganda Police have denied reports that opposition figure Kyagulanyi Robert, famously known as Bobi Wine, was shot as he returned from a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District.
Contrary to reports from the National Unity Platform (NUP) suggesting an attempt on Wine’s life, police maintain that his injury was caused by a stumble as he was getting into his vehicle, a situation witnessed by officers on the scene.
Invite
According to the police, Wine had been invited to the event by lawyer George Musisi. The ceremony reportedly concluded without incident. However, tensions arose when Wine and his team, despite police advice, embarked on a procession through Bulindo town.
“Today, September 3, 2024, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was invited by Mr. George Musisi (lawyer) to a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District. Hon. Kyagulanyi participated in the celebration, which concluded peacefully. When Hon. Kyagulanyi left the venue, he and his team moved out of their cars and embarked on a procession up to Bulindo town; however, the police advised against it,” the police statement revealed.
STATEMENT ON ALLEGED SHOOTING OF MR KYAGULANYI ROBERT SSENTAMU @mkituuma"Today 03 September 2024, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was invited by Mr. George Musisi (Lawyer), to a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District.
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) September 3, 2024
2. Hon. Kyagulanyi participated in…
The statement further explained that despite the guidance, Wine insisted on proceeding with the procession, leading to police intervention.
During the resulting altercation, it is reported that Wine sustained injuries. Police claim that the injury was the result of Wine stumbling while getting into his vehicle, while Wine and his team assert that he was shot.
“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 added.
The police have announced that an investigation will be conducted to clarify the facts surrounding the incident.
Wine was taken to Najaeem Medical Centre in Bulindo for first aid. The police also stated they would investigate the alleged shooting and any related incidents.
Wine’s statement
In contrast, a statement on Wine’s official X account said that police and military forces surrounded their vehicles and fired live bullets, resulting in Wine being shot in the leg.
“This evening, as our President returned from Bulindo in Kira Municipality, where he had gone to check on one of our lawyers, Musisi George, the police and military under the command of one Twesigye surrounded our vehicles and started firing live bullets, teargas canisters, and other projectiles.
This evening as our President returned from Bulindo in Kira Municipality where he had gone to check on one of our lawyers, Musisi George, the police and military under the command of one Twesigye surrounded our vehicles and started firing live bullets, teargas canisters and other… pic.twitter.com/PCfnM1cCoe
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) September 3, 2024
“In the process, our President Wine, who was clearly targeted, was shot in the leg. He is currently being attended to by a team of medical doctors. This is yet another attempt on the life of our President by the Museveni regime!” the statement from Bobi Wine’s account read.