The Uganda Police Force has addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged shooting of the National Unity Platform-NUP party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, following a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District.
According to the police, Kyagulanyi participated in the event without incident. However, tensions escalated when he and his team initiated a procession after leaving the venue. Despite police advice to avoid blocking the road, the procession continued, leading to an altercation.
During the confrontation, conflicting accounts emerged. Police officers on the scene claim that Kyagulanyi sustained injuries after stumbling while entering his vehicle. Conversely, Kyagulanyi and his team allege that he was shot during the encounter.
However, the NUP Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro told URN that their party president was hit by a canister fired by the police on his left leg below the knee.
In a statement released on Twitter, the police assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the facts surrounding these allegations. Kyagulanyi was taken to Najaeem Medical Centre in Bulindo, where he received first aid for his injuries before being transferred to Nsambya Hospital.
The incident has sparked significant public interest, with many eagerly awaiting the findings to clarify what truly transpired during the altercation.
BELOW IS UGANDA POLICE STATEMENT (UNEDITED)
STATEMENT ON ALLEGED SHOOTING OF MR KYAGULANYI ROBERT SSENTAMU
1. On September 3, 2024, an incident took place in Bulindo, Kiira Division, Wakiso District, during which Honorable Kyagulanyi sustained injuries in a confrontation with the Uganda Police.
2. Hon. Kyagulanyi Robert was invited by lawyer Mr. George Musisi to a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District, where he participated in the celebration, which ended peacefully.
3. After departing the venue, police on the scene reported that Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team exited their vehicles and initiated a procession toward Bulindo town. However, police advised against this action. Despite the warning, he insisted on proceeding and blocking the road, leading to police intervention to stop the procession.
4. During the ensuing altercation, it appears he sustained injuries. Police officers present claimed he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, while Hon. Kyagulanyi and his team maintain that he was shot however, social media has circulated videos showing him appearing to stumble amid apparent tear gas near his car, resulting in his injury.
5. Additionally, police have retrieved CCTV footage revealing several observations, including
a. Disruption of traffic
b. Stoning of police officers
C. Other acts of hooliganism
6. In the course of the stone-throwing, three police officers were injured, with one in serious condition. The windshields of two police vehicles were also shattered.
7. An investigation will be launched to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
8. Demonstrators and rioters are not seen as enemies of the police but as temporary opponents. However, some of their actions can escalate tensions, potentially leading to violent confrontations.
9. The underlying issues contributing to such incidents include hooliganism and communication breakdowns. We urge the need to delegitimize hooliganism and to engage effectively with the police to foster harmonious interactions.
10. The police will investigate the alleged shooting and related incidents, focusing on addressing the root causes of these altercations.
R. Kituuma psc (U)
ACP
PRO UPF
