Bobi Wine has accused Ugandan security forces of beating him and his supporters during a campaign stop in the country’s north. He said the alleged assault marked a dangerous rise in pre-election violence ahead of the 15 January presidential vote.
Wine, a pop star-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is challenging 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni for a second time. He finished runner-up in the 2021 poll and has since become the most prominent face of Uganda’s opposition movement.
In posts on X late Saturday, Wine claimed he was struck in the face with a cane as he approached a rally in Gulu. He said several supporters were also beaten and taken to hospital after security personnel confronted his team near the venue.
Wine alleged that “criminals in police and military uniform” attacked his group with sticks and stones without provocation. He accused Museveni of fearing the growing strength of the opposition as the election draws nearer.
Military spokesperson Chris Magezi rejected the accusations and said Wine’s group formed an illegal procession in violation of campaign rules. He added that security forces acted to ensure compliance with regulations limiting campaign activities to authorised hours.
Police did not respond to requests for comment on the incident. Wine posted an image of an aide bleeding from a head wound, claiming campaign equipment was destroyed during the clash.
A video shared on his account appeared to show uniformed personnel beating civilians with sticks in chaotic scenes. The confrontation follows a warning from UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk about an escalating crackdown on Uganda’s opposition. Türk said at least 550 members of Wine’s National Unity Platform have been detained this year as tensions continue to rise.