Police have raided Tembo Trek Courts in Lira Town, where National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, had secured accommodation.
According to the Electoral Commission’s campaign roadmap, Bobi Wine’s team is currently in the Lango Sub-region canvassing votes ahead of the 2026 general elections. On Tuesday, the team was scheduled to hold its campaign rally in Otuke District.
The raid was reportedly carried out by Field Force Unit (FFU) officers led by an officer identified as Moses Mukiibi, accompanied by plainclothes operatives. Witnesses said the officers’ vehicles had their number plates covered.
According to Bobi Wine, the hotel receptionist was arrested, and security personnel broke into several hotel rooms, allegedly firing teargas at occupants.
“Our hotel in Lira City has been raided by the police and military commanded by one Moses Mukiibi. They’re currently breaking into the rooms,” Bobi Wine posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Police is yet to release a statement about the alleged raid.
Bobi Wine is facing off against the incumbent Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni, flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and six other presidential candidates, including Robert James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Others in the race are Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party, Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Reform Party of Uganda, and Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP).
Tensions remain high between opposition parties and the ruling government, but observers hope the electoral process will serve as a test of Uganda’s commitment to democratic principles.
As the countdown to January 15 begins, all eyes are on the campaign trail and the Electoral Commission to ensure transparency, security, and fairness in a vote that could shape Uganda’s political trajectory for years to come.
Observers say the likely rematch between Museveni and Bobi Wine is expected to dominate the national political conversation, reigniting debates around leadership, democracy, and Uganda’s future.
In the last presidential election, held on January 14, 2021, 11 candidates contested the presidency. Of the 18,103,603 registered voters, 10,350,819 cast their ballots, representing a 57.2% voter turnout. President Museveni won with 6,042,898 votes (58.38%), while Bobi Wine came second with 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).
The result extended Museveni’s tenure beyond four decades, cementing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
