Police have arrested 32 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in Arua following incidents of stone-throwing that damaged police vehicles.
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Arua District and Arua City hosted NUP presidential candidate Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, as part of his campaign tour.
Kyagulanyi began his campaign at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, Arua District. However, he was unable to address the rally there. He then proceeded to Ovisoni Trading Centre, also in Vurra Sub-County, where he waved to people gathered along the roadside.
From Ovisoni Trading Centre, Kyagulanyi and his team moved toward the Giligili area in Ayivu West Division, Arua City, before proceeding to Ediofe Mission. They later turned toward Onduparaka Trading Centre in Ayivu West, where he again waved to supporters.
According to Angucia Josephine, the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, Kyagulanyi attempted to access the City Centre from Onduparaka using a direct route that had not been agreed upon during prior planning meetings. Police blocked the route, preventing him from proceeding.
Kyagulanyi then made a U-turn, seemingly to follow the agreed route through Ediofe to Barifa. Instead, he boarded a boda boda, covered his face with a motorcycle helmet, and travelled on a numberless motorcycle through the City Centre to the NUP offices in Oli Central Division. There, he climbed onto the rooftop of an unfinished building housing the party offices and addressed his supporters.
Despite the agreed-upon route, Kyagulanyi continued with a large and rowdy crowd following him along Rhino Camp Road to the campaign venue at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa.
Angucia said some of his supporters threw stones at police, damaging the following vehicles: UP 03271, UP M/V 03346, UP M/V 00173, and UP M/V 7697.
Police have opened separate cases of malicious damage, each registered under different reference numbers at Arua Central Police Station (CPS).
“CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify those involved in the vandalism. So far, 32 suspects have been arrested following the analysis and are currently detained at Arua CPS pending further investigations,” she said.
She added that the damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles and that efforts to identify additional suspects are ongoing. All necessary documentation has been completed by the Scene of Crime Officer. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the campaign activities ended successfully.
“We continue to urge political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behavior that may lead to accidents, injuries, loss of life, or disruption of other lawful activities,” she said.
