Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine sustained a leg injury during a confrontation with police, but his party says he is recovering in a hospital. The National Unity Platform (NUP), the pop star-turned-politician’s party, initially reported that he had been struck by a tear-gas canister, though early reports suggested the injury may have been caused by a bullet.
The incident occurred Tuesday as Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was on his way to meet his lawyers in Bulindo, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Kampala, the capital. Police issued a statement saying Wine stumbled while getting into his vehicle.
However, video footage posted online showed Wine surrounded by supporters, some of whom shouted that he had been shot. He was seen being helped into a car. It was unclear whether the injury was caused by a live bullet or a tear gas canister. Images shared by close associates showed a bleeding wound below his left knee.
Wine has frequently clashed with Ugandan police during public events, but this marks the first time he has been seriously injured in such a confrontation. He was being treated at Nsambya Hospital, where doctors said he would undergo surgery to remove fragments from the wound.
The NUP, Uganda’s leading opposition party, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that security forces had “made an attempt on the life” of Wine.
In response, police announced an investigation into the incident. They said Wine had been participating in a procession through Bulindo, which officers had advised against. The police intervened to disperse the crowd, and Wine was reportedly injured in the ensuing altercation.
At least four NUP members were arrested during the clash, according to the party. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye condemned the police’s actions, calling them “horrible” and part of the “usual aggression” faced by political opposition in Uganda.
Wine, who gained popularity as a musician, was elected to parliament in 2017. He ran against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 election, which was marred by state repression. Wine remains a popular figure among Uganda’s youth and has been repeatedly arrested and beaten by authorities.
The country’s security forces have long been accused of targeting political opponents of Museveni, who has been in power for nearly 40 years.
