Security attempted to breach my patient privacy - Bobi Wine

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi accuses security of harassing medical personnel at Nsambya Hospital and attempt to breach his patient privacy

The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has accused security forces of harassing medical staff and disrupting hospital operations following his admission to Nsambya Hospital.

Mr Kyagulanyi was admitted after sustaining injuries during what he described as a "brutal attack" by police forces.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday evening after his discharge from hospital, the Opposition leader detailed the events following his hospitalisation, claiming that security operatives pressured the medical team for information on his treatment.

“Security operatives came to the hospital and harassed the doctors treating me, demanding for details of my medical records,” he said.

Kyagulanyi further alleged that the operatives attempted to force their way into his treatment room but were thwarted by his supporters.

“They also made several attempts to forcefully access my treatment room but were held off by our vigilant comrades,” he added.

According to Kyagulanyi, the presence of security forces at the hospital not only endangered his life but also jeopardised the well-being of other patients.

“They also blocked all roads leading to the hospital, thereby disrupting hospital traffic flow and endangering more lives,” he stated.

After undergoing a minor surgery to remove foreign objects from his leg, Kyagulanyi chose to leave the hospital early due to concerns for his safety and the potential risks to other patients.

“I decided to return home prematurely today for the sake of my safety, and out of consideration for other patients at Nsambya Hospital who do not deserve the inconvenience and intimidation,” he explained.

Kyagulanyi assured his supporters that he would continue his treatment at home and thanked those who have reached out with messages of support.

On Tuesday, Kyagulanyi was reportedly struck by a suspected tear gas canister in Bulindo, a township on the outskirts of Najjera and Kira suburbs.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated that after the thanksgiving event, Kyagulanyi’s team held a procession against police advice, leading to the fracas in which the NUP president was injured.

"The information we received from officers at the scene was that they saw him stumbling while getting into his vehicle. However, his team and several witnesses claim he was shot. As a professional body, we cannot draw conclusions without a thorough investigation," Rusoke said.

Several videos circulating on social media appear to show a police officer firing towards Kyagulanyi's location. Moments later, Kyagulanyi is seen on the ground, being helped by aides as he struggles with a leg injury.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has since called for a comprehensive investigation into the injury sustained by National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

In a statement, ULS President Bernard Oundo expressed deep concern over the incident.

"The Uganda Law Society is disturbed by the reports of injury sustained by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi. The use of force by the police must be reasonable, necessary, and proportionate," Oundo stated.

Oundo emphasised the legal provisions under the Police Act, which allow the use of force to disperse unlawful assemblies but require that such force be justifiable.

He cautioned the Uganda Police Force against excessive use of force, warning of potential legal repercussions.

"Acts leading to injury or death can result in criminal liability for the individual officers involved and civil liability for the Uganda Police Force as an institution," Oundo warned.

The ULS has called for an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, stressing the need for accountability.