As the clock ticks towards the January 15, 2025 polling day, police clashed with presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, ahead of his rally in Kakumiro District.
The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. when Bobi Wine arrived in Nalweyo Town Council, Kakumiro District, where traffic police were guiding him along an agreed campaign route.
Candidate Kyagulanyi was scheduled to proceed to a playground in Kisiita Town Council for his first campaign rally. However, he insisted on deviating from the agreed route and demanded passage through Kakumiro Town Council.
According to police despite repeated instructions from officers, Kyagulanyi’s convoy allegedly drove off the main road and onto a pavement. The officers exercised restraint and allowed his convoy to continue.
The standoff reportedly intensified when Kyagulanyi proceeded to Kakeeka Playground in Kakumiro Town Council instead of the agreed venue in Kisiita Town Council.
“Police officers directed the candidate and the crowd to the agreed venue. However, the crowd became unruly, forcing police to block their advance using a police vehicle,” the police said in a statement.
During the confrontation, some individuals in the crowd allegedly damaged the windscreen of a police vehicle, registration number UP 7694.
“In a bid to de-escalate the situation, police allowed the crowd to access Kakeeka Ground. The officers managed to contain the crowd without further incident and secured the police helicopter stationed at the venue,” police explained.
After addressing supporters at Kakeeka Ground, Kyagulanyi later proceeded to Kisiita, where he was originally scheduled to hold his rally. Police confirmed that the campaign ended peacefully around after which the NUP candidate continued to Kikuube District.
Police urged the candidate and his supporters to respect agreed campaign routes and security guidelines.
“We urge candidate Kyagulanyi and his supporters to adhere to the positions agreed upon with his organizing teams. While our officers remain committed to professionalism, they continue to face increasing confrontation and provocation. That will not be tolerated,” police warned.
Meanwhile, during the rally at Kakeeka Grounds, Kyagulanyi condemned police actions, calling them unlawful.
He accused security officers and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of attempting to block him from addressing his supporters.
“The police trying to block me from speaking to you is unlawful,” Kyagulanyi said, vowing to continue his campaign despite the disruptions.
“Earlier at Kakeeka Grounds in Kakumiro District, the criminal regime police landed a helicopter at our venue and tried to block us from addressing our supporters,” he added.
