Bobi Wine says bodyguard killed in Uganda polls violence

A bodyguard for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was killed and two journalists injured on Sunday amid violent confrontations between security forces and followers of singer and lawmaker who is challenging country’s long-time leader.

A tearful Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, said his bodyguard had died of his injuries after allegedly being run over by a truck belonging to military police. victim, Francis Senteza, was attacked while helping to transport a journalist injured during an earlier confrontation between police and a group of Wine's supporters, he said.

Authorities didn't immediately respond to allegation that Senteza's death was a deliberate killing.

Wine was campaigning Sunday in parts of central Uganda where he has considerable support. As his convoy tried to proceed from one rally to next, police fired tear gas into crowd, injuring at least two journalists.

Cameraman Ashraf Kasirye, a member of a TV crew that follows Wine wherever he goes, suffered a serious head injury.

“We are hoping against hope that he will live,” Wine said of Kasirye on Twitter.

Ar journalist, Ali Mivule of local broadcaster NTV, was injured after a tear gas canister hit his leg, according to his employer. His condition was said to be stable.

Police said in a statement that while trying to quell confrontations with Wine's supporters, “journalists were regrettably caught up during process of dispersing violent group.” Kasirye is in critical condition after being apparently hit by a tear gas canister, it said.

three casualties are latest victims of election-related violence as Uganda's security forces are accused of trying to stop Wine from holding raucous public rallies.

Uganda faces growing pressure from international community and rights watchdogs to respect human rights ahead of polls scheduled for Jan. 14. arrest and detention last week of a prominent rights attorney, Nicholas Opiyo, over criminal charges has added to what some critics see as a campaign of repression targeting civic leaders, activists, journalists and perceived political opponents.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, faces strong challenge of Wine, who appeals to young people wishing to see a change of government. Museveni's government is frequently criticized for corruption as well as widespread joblessness in urban centers. Wine has repeatedly urged Museveni to retire, saying he would guarantee his safety.

Wine's campaign events have become increasingly affected by violent confrontations with authorities and Wine himself has been arrested many times by police who accuse him of trying to disrupt public order.

Electoral authorities on Saturday banned campaign events in some urban areas, including capital Kampala, citing an urgent need to control spread of coronavirus. That decision has been criticized by some who see it as a ploy to prevent opposition figures from displaying ir support in areas where ruling party is t so popular.

Museveni is able to seek more time in office after lawmakers removed last constitutional obstacle — limits — to a possible life presidency for 76-year-old leader.

Uganda has never seen a peaceful transfer of power since independence from Britain in 1962.