Uganda opposition leader Bobi Wine ‘shot in leg’ during confrontation

Uganda’s main opposition leader Bobi Wine has been shot in the leg after a confrontation with security agents, his party says.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in a northern suburb of Kampala. Videos online show Mr Wine surrounded by supporters who claimed he had been shot before helping him into a waiting car.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) said on social media that “Ugandan security operatives have made an attempt on the life of [Bobi Wine]. He was shot in the leg and seriously injured in Bulindo, Wakiso District.” It’s unclear if he was hit by a live bullet or a tear gas projectile.

Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, ran for president in 2021, losing to President Yoweri Museveni in an election he claimed was rigged. His party holds the most seats of any opposition group in the national assembly.

A former entertainer, Wine entered politics in 2017 and is popular among young, urban Ugandans.

President Museveni, 79, has ruled since 1986 and recently had the constitution amended to remove the presidential age limit. Uganda has not had a peaceful transfer of power since independence in 1962.