National Unity Platform (NUP) party president, Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been discharged from Nsambya Hospital following an injury he sustained during an altercation with police on September 3.
The incident occurred as Mr. Kyagulanyi was returning from the residence of NUP lawyer, George Musisi, located in Bulindo, Kira, Wakiso District.
The altercation took a violent turn when a tear gas canister fired by the police struck Mr. Kyagulanyi on his left leg, causing significant injury.
He was immediately rushed to Najeem Medical Centre in Kira-Bulindo, where he received first aid.
Recognizing the severity of his injury, medical personnel at the clinic quickly referred him to Nsambya Hospital for more comprehensive care.
Upon arrival at Nsambya Hospital, Mr. Kyagulanyi was admitted and began receiving the necessary treatment.
However, his stay at the hospital soon became a matter of concern for his party members and supporters.
According to Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, the NUP spokesperson, they received alarming reports that plain-clothed security operatives were attempting to gain unauthorized access to Mr. Kyagulanyi’s hospital room.
These operatives allegedly demanded the release of his medical records, raising suspicions about their intentions.
“The operatives in civilian clothes have been trying to access his room since last night,” Mr. Ssenyonyi explained.
“They even demanded his medical forms from the hospital, but fortunately, the hospital administration declined their request. We’re deeply concerned about what they intend to do to him.”
In light of these developments, Mr. Kyagulanyi’s team decided to request his discharge from the hospital, opting instead for him to continue his treatment from the safety of his home in Magere.
The medical team at Nsambya Hospital agreed to this arrangement, allowing him to leave the facility under the care of private doctors.
The situation around the hospital had already become tense earlier in the day, with heavy police and military deployment around St. Francis Nsambya Hospital.
Security forces were seen restricting access to roads leading to the hospital, causing unease among the public and NUP supporters.
This heavy presence of security personnel fueled speculation and concern over Mr. Kyagulanyi’s safety.
When questioned about the reasons behind the deployment, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma stated that the measure was purely for maintaining law and order in and around the hospital.
He emphasized that the exact cause of Mr. Kyagulanyi’s injury would only be determined after a thorough investigation, cautioning against concluding videos circulating on social media.
“We cannot make conclusions based on circulating videos,” Mr. Kituuma told journalists in Kampala. “Professional and medical investigations will be conducted to ascertain what happened.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate and concern among the public, with many questioning the motives behind the actions of the security personnel.
Mr. Kyagulanyi, a prominent political figure and former presidential candidate, has frequently found himself at odds with the authorities, often leading to confrontations that highlight the tense political climate in Uganda.
As Mr. Kyagulanyi continues his recovery at home, his supporters remain vigilant, concerned about the ongoing threats to his safety.
The NUP leadership has called for transparency and accountability, urging the authorities to respect the rights and privacy of their party president during this challenging time.
NUP Statement
Upon the successful surgery on his injured leg, the President @HEBobiwine was today afternoon discharged from St. Francis Hospital Nsambya on his own request.
He did this in consideration of other patients and his own safety that was in jeopardy.
Security operatives were all over the Hospital premises on the look and trying to force their way into the ward where the President was being managed.
They had even barricaded all roads leading to the hospital which disrupted traffic flow and emergency services for other patients.
We pray for the speedy recovery of the President and we hope the men in uniform who made an attempt on his life are brought to justice.
