By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine has spoken out after surviving a violent attack by security forces on Tuesday 03-09-2024, which left him injured and several of his supporters detained.
The attack occurred when Wine and his team were leaving a private function at lawyer George Musisi’s home in Bulindo, Kira Municipality.
Police officers allegedly fired explosives and teargas at their vehicle, forcing Wine and others to flee.
Wine described the incident as an assassination attempt, highlighting a pattern of violence and intimidation against him and his supporters. “It is purely by the grace of God that I am alive today,” Bobi Wine said.
The opposition leader condemned the regime’s actions, citing previous incidents of violence and harassment.
These incidents include the murder of his driver, Yasin Kawuma, in 2018, the torture of several supporters, the abduction and detention of opposition activists, and the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.
Additionally, Wine mentioned the 2021 presidential campaign trail, where a similar explosive was thrown at him, missing him but landing on and shattering the leg of an innocent lady, Zubeda. He also recalled other incidents of violence against opposition leaders and supporters.
“This is not an isolated incident,” Wine said. “The Museveni regime has consistently demonstrated its willingness to use violence and intimidation to silence opposition voices.”
Wine criticized the police’s initial statement claiming he had “stumbled and injured himself,” labeling it a blatant lie. “Videos shared on social media reveal the truth,” Wine said.
The opposition leader expressed gratitude to ordinary citizens who recorded the incident, emphasizing the importance of documentation in exposing human rights abuses. “I salute the citizens who recorded Tuesday’s events as they unfolded,” Wine said.
Wine called on Ugandans to remain vigilant and continue demanding a better future, urging international partners to review their support for the Museveni regime. “Dictatorship will not prevail,” Wine declared. “People Power, our power!”
Bobi Wine has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, which has been in power since 1986. Wine’s People Power movement has gained significant support among Ugandan youth.
The Ugandan government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses, claiming that opposition leaders are inciting violence.
“The Ugandan government must investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable,” said Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East Africa.
The European Union and the United States have also expressed concern over the incident.
