Bobi Wine Shot by Police Amid Government Intimidation in Uganda

Bobi Wine Shot by Police in Escalating Government Intimidation

Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Bobi Wine, was shot in the leg by police on Tuesday, according to his political party. This incident marks a troubling escalation of the government’s ongoing campaign of intimidation against prominent critics, particularly those who challenge the country’s long-standing autocratic leadership. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, made headlines in the 2021 presidential elections when he stood against President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for over three decades.

Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, with Mr. Wine’s international lawyer, Bruce Afran, stating in a phone interview that it is uncertain whether the injury was caused by a bullet or a tear-gas canister. Fortunately, Mr. Afran reported that the wound does not appear to be life-threatening, and Bobi Wine is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the capital city of Kampala.

At 42 years old, Bobi Wine has emerged as a formidable political force, transitioning from a successful music career to a prominent position as a lawmaker. His rise to fame was further solidified by the Oscar-nominated documentary titled “The People’s President.” In the most recent national elections held three years ago, Mr. Wine faced severe repression, including beatings and detentions, as security forces surrounded his residence during the announcement of results.

On the day of the shooting, Mr. Wine was returning from a visit with one of his party’s lawyers in the town of Bulindo, located northeast of Kampala. His political party, the National Unity Platform, which holds the largest opposition presence in the National Assembly, reported that Mr. Wine and his entourage were ambushed by military and police officers who began firing live ammunition and tear-gas canisters. Eyewitnesses shared alarming videos and photos on social media, showing Mr. Wine in visible distress, writhing in pain and bleeding from a wound just below his left knee.