Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has been discharged from hospital after sustaining an injury during a confrontation with police. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly hit by a tear gas canister in the leg during a meeting with supporters in Bulindo, requiring surgery to remove fragments.
The incident has heightened tensions between the opposition and President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) characterized the event as another attempt on his life, while his lawyer claimed that police intentionally targeted him. The police, however, stated that they were trying to stop Wine and his team from marching down a road, leading to the altercation.
This event is part of a broader pattern of restrictions faced by Wine, who challenged Museveni in the 2021 election. He has been subjected to numerous house arrests and his party rallies have often been forcibly dispersed. The situation has drawn attention to issues of political freedom and human rights in Uganda.
Recent months have seen crackdowns on anti-corruption rallies and protests against oil projects in Uganda, with many demonstrators arrested. As Wine recovers, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing opposition movements in the country and the ongoing struggle for political reform.
The NUP has expressed concerns about attempts by operatives to access Wine’s hospital room, highlighting the tense political atmosphere surrounding the opposition leader.