Bobi Wine, a former singer and now a political leader, began his career in 2017 by winning a parliamentary seat. He quickly became popular among young Ugandans, seen as a symbol of change. Wine ran for president in 2021 but lost to President Yoweri Museveni, alleging election fraud. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, had the constitution amended to remove age limits for presidents. At 79, he has resisted calls to announce his retirement.
On Tuesday, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, was shot in the leg during a clash with police in Wakiso District, near Kampala. Online images show Wine surrounded by supporters who yelled about the shooting and helped him into a nearby car.
Encounters between Wine and the police often turn violent, reflecting Uganda’s tense political climate. There has been no immediate response from the police or other officials about this incident.
Bobi Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), confirmed the shooting. A post on X said Ugandan security forces had “attempted on the life” of Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. The post confirmed that Wine was “shot in the leg and seriously injured” in Bulindo, Wakiso District.
Uganda has not had a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Britain in 1962. This incident underscores the ongoing struggles for political reform in the country. More details will be available soon.
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