A man has been killed and three others injured after police opened fire during a political rally addressed by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, in eastern Uganda.
The incident happened on Friday morning in Iganga District, where Kyagulanyi was campaigning ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Police identified the deceased as Meshach Okello, who was reportedly shot in the head. The three injured—Samuel Nuwamanya, 24, Naminya Banuli, 44, and Faima Namusobya, 24—were taken to hospitals in Iganga with gunshot wounds.
Police Account
In a statement, police said the confrontation began when some individuals in the crowd allegedly threw stones at officers. According to the statement, security personnel fired warning shots to control what they described as an unruly group that had injured officers and damaged police vehicles. Several suspects were detained following the clashes.
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“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns this hooliganism. Attacking armed officers is extremely dangerous, will not be tolerated, and will be met with firm action,” the statement said.
Opposition Disputes Police Version
Kyagulanyi and his National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the police narrative, accusing security forces of using excessive and lethal force against unarmed supporters.
The opposition leader described the shooting as “cold-blooded murder,” insisting that those hit by bullets were peaceful attendees who were leaving the rally when officers opened fire. He also claimed that two other people were shot and taken away by security personnel, though this could not be independently confirmed.
Witnesses gave differing accounts. Some reported chaos as gunfire erupted, sending crowds running for safety, while others said the rally had ended calmly before police intervened.
“We were walking home when we suddenly heard gunshots. People started scattering everywhere,” one witness told the BBC, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.
Rising Concerns Ahead of 2026 Elections
The incident has heightened concerns about the security agencies’ handling of opposition events ahead of Uganda’s 2026 polls. Human rights groups and civil society organisations have called for an independent inquiry into the shooting and urged the government to ensure that citizens can participate in political activities without fear.
With the election season approaching, Friday’s events in Iganga highlight growing political tensions and renewed questions about the balance between public order and freedom of assembly in Uganda.
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