Bobi Wine out of danger

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine is recovering after sustaining a leg injury during a confrontation with a policeman yesterday. His party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), claimed a tear gas canister caused the injury but police said he stumbled as he was getting into his car.

Ugandan authorities denied any foul play, releasing a statement that officers at the scene saw the opposition leader tripping while attempting to get into his vehicle.

They emphasized that a thorough medical and professional investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the injuries.

“Our internal footage shows elements of an altercation between the police and Kyagulanyi’s group, including stone-throwing and police responses to disperse the crowds. However, a detailed investigation is necessary to understand what transpired,” Uganda Police Force spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told journalists.

The NUP has refuted the police's account, pointing to a video allegedly capturing the moment when police shot the singer in Wakiso District.

“In a sad but not surprising manner, the Police Statement claimed that our leader Bobi Wine stumbled as he was getting into his vehicle and got injured! They often forget that today, everyone is a journalist. We're grateful to the vigilant citizens who captured this footage and shared it. Thank you for listening to our consistent message - many times, our cameras are our biggest weapons,” the party posted on X.

Security was heightened overnight at Nsambya Hospital, where the politician was treated following the incident. His lawyer said an X-ray report indicated fragments of tear gas canisters embedded in the former presidential aspirant’s leg.

On Wednesday afternoon, Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago said the fragments had been removed from Wine’s leg and he was recovering well.

“He is in a very encouraging state. We have also talked with the doctors here…the fragments didn’t pierce deep into the bones,” said Lukwago.

Bobi Wine rose to prominence after challenging Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni in the presidential election under the "People Power" banner.

His foray into politics has been marked by numerous confrontations with security forces, particularly during the tense campaign period.