Just like any other day on the campaign trail, a sea of people camped at the hotel where presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, and his wife Barbra Itungo Kyagulanyi spent the entire night waiting for dawn to continue their three-month quest for the presidency.
The first rally at Mbarara High School playground was peaceful, just like the previous ones. Bobi Wine spoke about his 11-point manifesto, which focused on resetting the country by restoring democracy, ending corruption, guaranteeing equal access to opportunities, and creating jobs for young people and others.
During the rally, Bobi Wine promised to heal divisions based on tribe, color, and place of origin.
As they headed for the second rally in Bwizibwera, tension rose when two armed vehicles and teargas trucks were encountered along the way. These initially gave way for his convoy to pass. However, along the Mbarara–Ibanda road, another set of similar vehicles blocked the way, preventing the presidential candidate’s convoy from proceeding to the planned rally.
The earlier two vehicles returned and sealed off the road from behind, leaving the group unable to move forward or turn back.
Security officers clad in Field Force Unit (FFU) uniforms ambushed Bobi Wine’s group, resulting in chaos as officers descended on supporters, arresting and bundling them into police trucks.
“They found us along the way, blocking us from reaching Bwizibwera and rounding up our people just like they did in Kalangala during the last elections,” Bobi Wine said.
The commotion, which lasted for nearly an hour, resulted in the arrest of over 15 people; however, police have not confirmed the exact number. A few vehicles carrying media personnel and the presidential candidate were allowed to leave.
“We were waylaid, just like in Kalangala in 2020. They rounded up our people, including journalists and women—among them my sister—who was pepper-sprayed at close range,” Bobi Wine said.
“They can’t believe we received such a huge welcome in Mbarara and command such strong support in western Uganda. They first arrested my inner security team headed by Edward Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, Achileo Kivumbi, and others,” he added.
Kyagulanyi further said police had earlier raided his hotel in Lira City.
He accused Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairman of the Electoral Commission, of remaining silent about the attacks on his team, despite being quick to blame him for buying maize from a roadside vendor in Karamoja.
He noted that so far, 30 of his supporters have been arrested and charged in court—10 in Lira and 20 in Mbarara—though they are yet to confirm how many were arrested the previous day.
Police Speaks Out
Following the arrests in Mbarara, Kituma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, said the operations targeted individuals with criminal records, including those accused of assaulting officers, destroying government property, and obstructing police officers on duty.
Police further noted that in Busia District, suspects traveling in a NUP convoy assaulted an officer, resulting in a case filed at Busia CPS under CRB 1038/2025.
On October 3, 2025, during NUP campaign events in Mayuge District, an officer was attacked, sustained serious injuries, and had his phone stolen. The incident was registered under Mayuge CRB 797/2025.
On October 8, during a rally at Bikoma Primary School in Kyankwanzi, NUP supporters allegedly assaulted a detective constable. Police intervened to rescue him, but the main suspect escaped into the crowd before a case of assault was opened.
On October 21, in Kisiita Town Council, Kakumiro District, the windshield of a police vehicle was damaged. Additionally, on October 28, 2025, while in transit from Lira City to Alebtong District, police officers trailing the NUP presidential convoy were attacked—their vehicle’s tires were punctured and property stolen.
The following day, October 29, in Abim District, a group of NUP candidate’s bodyguards allegedly assaulted Edibu Emmanuel, who was later hospitalized.
On November 5, 2025, in Kiruhura District, they allegedly assaulted a journalist working with Tayari Television.
“The police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding all candidates but will not tolerate criminality or disorder,” Rusoke said.
He cautioned candidates against engaging in violence, warning that any individual who chooses this path will be held personally accountable.
“All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, maintain peace throughout the campaign period, and follow the campaign guidelines issued by all regulatory stakeholders,” police said.
