On September 3, 2024, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, got an injury on his left leg during an altercation with Uganda police while visiting NUP Counsel George Musisi’s in Bulindo, Kira, Kampala.
Different sources, including Kyagulanyi’s X handler, revealed that he had been shot at, while NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi says he was injured by a canister.
However, the Uganda Police Force has refuted claims made by the National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, saying he was not shot at but sustained injuries after stumbling as he was getting into his vehicle during a confrontation with the police.
During a press briefing on September 4, 2024, ACP Kituuma Rushoke, the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, said Kyagulanyi and his team started a procession towards Bulindo town, an action the police advised against.
Despite the warning, Kituuma stated that Kyagulanyi insisted on proceeding and blocking the road, leading to police intervention to stop the procession.
“During the ensuing altercation, it appears he sustained injuries. Police officers present claimed he stumbled while getting into his vehicle, while Kyagulanyi and his team maintain that he was shot, “Kituuma said.
Kituuma, however, said that until the police carry out an investigation, no fundamental conclusions will be made.
“We are a professional body; we cannot jump to any conclusions without the basis of a professional finding. That is the most fundamental issue,” he further notes.
Kituuma insisted on investigating the matter even when social media has circulated videos showing him appearing to stumble amid apparent tear gas near his car, resulting in his injury.
“The investigation must be medical and must go through professional investigators. It would be strange for police to watch video footage on a media platform and draw a conclusion. We have not descended to such levels,” he noted.
Kituuma further noted that police have retrieved CCTV footage, revealing several observations such as disruption of traffic, stoning at police officers, and other acts of hooliganism.
“In the course of the stone-throwing, three police officers were injured, with one in serious condition. The windscreens of two police vehicles were also shattered,” Kituuma said.
Police urged the public to refrain from all forms of hooliganism and to engage effectively with the police to foster harmonious interactions.
