Police in Uganda have recanted their earlier statement concerning the suspected shooting of opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
In a change of tune, police spokesman Rusoke Kituuma on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, told the press that they were in the process of conducting fresh investigations surrounding the incident, noting that the story could have a negative impression on the police service.
“We are insisting that until we carry out investigations, we are a professional body, we cannot jump to any conclusions. We can only conclude on the basis of a professional finding,” Kituuma said.
Police indicated that they were aware of the videos circulating online about the matter, stating that they could not rely on them.
“It would be strange for police to watch a video footage on a social media platform and draw a conclusion. We have not descended to such levels,” he added.
The police had earlier indicated that Bobi Wine had sustained the injury while getting into his c*r during a confrontation with the police. They have since recanted the statement, noting that it would only be established after a thorough investigation.
“We don’t want to get into the arguments of injury by b****t or by a stumble; we want an opportunity to prove it, which must be medical and must go through professional investigators,” Kituuma noted.
The National Unity Platform spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi indicated later that a teargas canister had exploded on Bobi Wine’s leg and that surgery would be conducted to remove fragments.
“A teargas canister was fired onto his left leg, causing a severe injury. The X-ray report shows there are some fragments from the tear-gas canister which are embedded in his leg and surgery will be conducted to remove them,” Ssenyonyi said on X.
The singer-turned-politician is currently recuperating at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala following the incident that happened to his entourage.
According to the police, Bobi Wine had been invited to an event by lawyer George Musisi. The ceremony reportedly concluded without incident. However, tensions arose when Wine and his team, despite police advice, embarked on a procession through Bulindo town.
Bobi Wine vs police
Police said that Wine and his entourage went against a police directive against proceeding with a match to Bulindo town when the fracas ensued.
“During the ensuing altercation, it is alleged that he sustained injuries. Police officers on site claim he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, causing the injury, whereas Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team assert that he was shòt,” the police added.