Attempted Assassination of Robert Kyagulanyi Sparks Global Outrage and Reignites Protests Against Uganda’s Government

Uganda Today Edition: Attempted Assassination of Robert Kyagulanyi Sparks Global Outrage and Reignites Protests Against Uganda’s Government

In a dramatic and harrowing incident at Bulindo, Kiira Division, National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, narrowly survived an attempted assassination while returning home from a gathering at the residence of his lawyer, George Musisi. As Kyagulanyi’s convoy embarked on the jorney to his home, police forces ambushed him and his supporters, hurling teargas canisters in a brutal and unprovoked attack.

One canister, thrown directly at Kyagulanyi, severely injured him, and video footage shows the moment the police officer unleashed the canister, causing chaos. The heinous act has led to widespread condemnation from both local and international communities, reigniting the debate on Uganda’s deteriorating human rights record under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime.

Video:

“Shocking moment as police officer hurls a tear gas canister that injured  Bobi Wine in a targeted attack – footage by eyewitnesses.”

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Kyagulanyi, ever resilient, remained composed amidst the mayhem and urged those present to capture the unfolding violence on their phones, ensuring that the world could witness the government’s brutality. His call to action sparked immediate reactions, with onlookers documenting the vicious assault by law enforcement officers.

Video:

“Bobi Wine urges Ugandans to film as police unleash chaos on him and his supporters during the assassination attempt in Kiira Division.”

This latest attempt on Kyagulanyi’s life has sparked renewed protests across Uganda and in cities worldwide, including Canada, Boston, Kenya, and other international communities. The protests bear a stark resemblance to the 2018 demonstrations, when Kyagulanyi was brutally tortured by the Ugandan army. At the time, Kyagulanyi was falsely accused of attempting to ram a tractor into President Museveni’s bulletproof vehicle during a by-election rally in Arua. Security forces claimed they found ammunition in Kyagulanyi’s hotel room, charges widely seen as fabricated to silence his growing political influence.

The global outcry over his 2018 torture, along with pressure from Ugandans and international activists, forced the Museveni government to release Kyagulanyi. The military court martial, which had begun trying him for treason—a charge that carries a life imprisonment sentence under Uganda’s penal code—was disbanded in the face of mounting public opposition.

Despite these past victories, the cycle of violence continues unabated. Kyagulanyi’s supporters have been repeatedly targeted, harassed, and even killed by Ugandan police forces. Notable among the many victims is Rita Nabukenya, a fervent Kyagulanyi supporter, who was tragically run over by a police patrol car, resulting in her instant death. In an attempt to cover up their actions, the police claimed that the footage from nearby CCTV cameras was “inconclusive” due to an alleged power outage.

“Another bizarre moment as police officers brutally and mercilessly maul Bobi Wine’s foot soldiers in a targeted attack september 03,2024 at Bulindo – footage by eyewitnesses.”

In this recent assassination attempt, the narrative pushed by the government has once again been riddled with misinformation. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rutuuma Rusoke, initially claimed that Kyagulanyi injured himself while attempting to enter his car. However, publicly available footage quickly contradicted this, revealing that it was, in fact, the tear gas canister hurled by a police officer that caused the injury. As the truth emerged, Rusoke was forced to backtrack on his original statement, further eroding the credibility of Uganda’s security forces.

The police have promised an “investigation” into the incident, but many remain skeptical, citing the government’s long-standing tradition of having the police investigate themselves. These so-called investigations have rarely produced any meaningful results, as they tend to shield officers acting on “orders from above.” This phrase has become a euphemism for the unchecked power of Museveni’s regime, which routinely uses security forces to stifle dissent.

A glaring example of this police impunity occurred when Arinaitwe Gilbert Bwana, a police officer, smashed the car window of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye using a hammer during a April  2011 protest. Despite overwhelming evidence that police officers were responsible, authorities ludicrously claimed that Besigye was carrying the hammer himself, once again showcasing the government’s blatant disregard for truth and justice.

The Museveni government has long been accused of systematically torturing, maiming, and even killing opposition supporters, with Kyagulanyi being a prime target due to his immense popularity and vocal criticism of the regime. As demonstrations continue to sweep across various cities, the resilience of the Ugandan people, both at home and abroad, sends a clear message: the world is watching, and the fight for justice is far from over.

With international pressure mounting and protests intensifying, the question remains—will Uganda’s government heed the calls for change, or will it continue down its path of repression, violence, and deception?

The world waits with bated breath.