On Wednesday, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, underwent minor surgery to remove suspected fragments of a teargas canister from his left foreleg.
The procedure followed a violent altercation between Bobi Wine and armed security officers.
Incident Details: Injuries Sustained During Wakiso District Confrontation
Bobi Wine sustained the injury on Tuesday when a teargas canister fired towards him tore through his trousers, wounding his leg during a clash with security officers in Wakiso District.
The incident, widely condemned by various opposition figures, has raised concerns about the escalating violence against political opponents in Uganda.
Tight Security at Nsambya Hospital
Following the injury, Bobi Wine spent the night at Nsambya Hospital, where he was closely monitored by doctors.
The hospital premises were heavily guarded, with security forces barricading the area as dozens of visitors attempted to check on the opposition leader.
Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who visited Bobi Wine, reported that the surgery was successful, with the fragments being removed without penetrating the bone.
Opposition Leaders Respond
NUP lawyer George Musisi confirmed on Wednesday morning that Bobi Wine was stable and out of danger.
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi also noted that X-ray reports had identified fragments of a teargas canister embedded in Bobi Wine’s leg.
Veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye condemned the police’s actions, describing the injuries as the result of “tear ball grenades” commonly used by police against political opposition.
He criticized the Uganda Police Force (UPF) for its continued abuse of human rights.
Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga and other opposition figures, including Ingrid Turinawe, demanded that the police explain the “brutal and high-handed attack.”
Legal and Political Ramifications
Meanwhile, NUP lawyers and officials are expected to visit Kira Police Station to secure the release of at least four detainees and three motorbikes that were confiscated during the incident in which Bobi Wine was injured while returning from a private function.
NUP lawyer Musisi accused the police of acting as an armed wing of the ruling party, targeting those they perceive as government opponents. He called on Ugandans to demand that the police respect the law and cease their violent tactics.
Police Response and Investigation
In response to the incident, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke announced that an investigation would be conducted to clarify the events.
The police claimed that Bobi Wine’s leg injury occurred when he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, while Bobi Wine’s team asserted that he was shot.
Context: Previous Incidents Involving Bobi Wine
This latest incident recalls 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 that time, Bobi Wine and his supporters were accused of stoning President Museveni’s convoy, a charge they denied.
