"‘He Tripped!’ Ugandan Police Refute Allegations That Bobi Wine Was Shot"
On Tuesday evening, Bobi Wine's aide, Najja Ssenyonj, alleged that the Ugandan opposition leader sustained a leg injury during a confrontation with a uniformed police officer.
Sharon Koech
On Tuesday evening, the Uganda Police Force cast doubt on allegations that veteran musician and opposition politician Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, had been shot.
Earlier that evening, Bobi Wine's aide, Najja Ssenyonj, claimed that the opposition leader had been injured in the leg during a clash with a uniformed police officer.
However, in a public statement, the Uganda Police Force refuted these claims, suggesting that Bobi Wine's injury occurred when he stumbled while entering his vehicle. This version of events was supported by officers present during the incident between Bobi Wine and the police.
According to the police statement, "On September 3, 2024, Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was invited by Mr. George Musisi (Lawyer) to a thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District. The ceremony ended peacefully."
The statement continued, "When leaving the venue, Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team exited their vehicles and began a procession towards Bulindo town, despite police advice against it. The procession blocked the road, prompting police intervention. During this altercation, it is reported that he sustained injuries. The police at the scene assert that he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, whereas Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team allege he was shot."
The police department announced that an investigation is underway to clarify the conflicting accounts.
"He was taken to Najaeem Medical Center in Bulindo for first aid. The police will investigate the shooting allegations and related incidents," the statement concluded.
This police account contrasts with Bobi Wine's aide's report, which claimed that the opposition leader was injured in the leg during the confrontation and subsequently taken to Nsambya Hospital in Kampala for treatment.
Incident in Uganda Follows Museveni’s Comments on Regional Politics
This incident in Uganda comes barely a few days after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni made notable comments about regional politics during a speech at State House. Museveni criticized Kenyan MP Babu Owino, accusing him of supporting anti-National Resistance Movement (NRM) groups in Uganda, based on intelligence reports. Babu Owino, who supports Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, responded by emphasizing the need for leadership that addresses poverty and ensures equal opportunities across Africa.
In his speech, Museveni noted that although he had been aware of Babu Owino’s support for Bobi Wine, he had not previously made such accusations. The comments led to a response from Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who argued that Museveni should use diplomatic channels rather than public forums for such claims.
The incident involving Bobi Wine, where allegations surfaced about him being shot, adds to the tension. Bobi Wine's aide, Najja Ssenyonj, initially claimed the opposition leader was injured during a confrontation with a police officer. However, the Uganda Police Force countered that Bobi Wine's injury occurred when he stumbled while entering his vehicle. The police have stated that an investigation is ongoing to clarify the situation.
This integrates Museveni’s recent comments with the unfolding incident involving Bobi Wine.
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