Bobi Wine refused to cooperate with us in Bulindo investigation, says UHRC boss

The chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has revealed that the commission attempted to engage Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the party president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), regarding an incident in Bulindo.

However, Kyagulanyi declined the invitation.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved Kyagulanyi reportedly being hit by what is believed to be a tear gas canister in a township near the Najjera and Kira suburbs.

The police have denied any involvement in shooting him. Kyagulanyi was admitted to Nsambya Hospital after describing the incident as a "brutal attack" by police forces. He has since been discharged.

Wangadya announced that a team has been formed to investigate how the NUP leader was injured.

However, Kyagulanyi’s aides have informed the commission of his decision not to participate in discussions related to the investigation.

"We want to use this opportunity to say that anytime they are willing to talk to us, we are ready to listen," Wangadya stated.

Speaking to NBS TV ,she emphasised UHRC's commitment to its constitutional role of serving all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation.

Wangadya also urged for increased professionalism and adherence to public order regulations, particularly following recent interactions with political figures.

She called on police forces to act with care to avoid harming civilians.

"We request that our leaders and the people of Uganda to adhere to the rules of public order management. There are spaces which are not suitable for large gatherings, such as rallies. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure incidents like this do not recur," she added.

The UHRC also reminded the Uganda Police Force to maintain professionalism during operations to prevent harm to innocent individuals, especially given recent concerns regarding police conduct and human rights violations.

Despite the UHRC's attempts to engage with Kyagulanyi, trust in the commission has been waning among opposition politicians, who accuse it of inefficiency and partiality.

In May 2024, Kyagulanyi withdrew a case he had filed with the UHRC in 2018, citing delays and perceived bias.

The case, which concerned the blockade of his concerts and the seizure of his equipment by security forces, had only been heard for the first time after five years of delay.

Kyagulanyi criticised the commission for denying him justice through the years of inaction.

"I filed this case five years ago, and it's only being heard now. Justice delayed is justice denied," Kyagulanyi said.

He is not alone in his frustrations. Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure, filed a case in 2015, which remains unresolved, and opposition activist Ingrid Turinawe's 2017 complaint regarding violent arrest and sexual assault has also seen little progress.

These delays have raised doubts about the UHRC's independence and effectiveness in a politically charged environment.

In response to growing criticism, Wangadya has shown signs of shifting her approach.

Recently, she stood with protesters who staged a naked march to Parliament, calling for their unconditional release.

The three women were demonstrating against corruption, specifically demanding the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.

Wangadya condemned the arrests and argued that the protesters’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, guaranteed under the Ugandan Constitution, had been violated.

The UHRC’s actions signal a potential change in direction, but critics argue that the commission must do more to regain credibility, expedite the resolution of pending cases, and ensure fair treatment for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.