The Uganda Police Force has intensified efforts to curb violence on the campaign trail following a string of attacks on officers reportedly involving supporters of National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Ten people have been arrested as police warn all candidates to follow campaign laws and maintain order.
In a statement released on October 29, 2025, from Kampala Police Headquarters, authorities acknowledged that while most campaign activities have been peaceful, some individuals have increasingly provoked officers, creating an unacceptable level of aggression.
Police stressed that they are targeting only those who incite conflict, not peaceful campaign participants. “We shall go for conflict entrepreneurs who have chosen to confront police officers at leisure and turned aggression, belligerence, and violence into a habit,” the statement said.
The latest incident happened on October 28, 2025, at around 1:00 pm, as Kyagulanyi’s convoy traveled from Lira City to Alebtong District. Police reported that a group of his supporters abruptly stopped near Obot A village, close to Obot Primary School, and attacked officers traveling in vehicle UBK 380Q.
According to police, the attackers punctured the vehicle’s tires with sharp metal objects and stole two 20-liter jerricans of diesel, a bag of clothes, a laptop, and the car’s key chip sensor.
“They alleged that the vandalized vehicle contained a jammer disrupting their online network. However, since the campaigns began, they have been livestreaming their movements and communicating freely at times, even with police,” authorities said. “They fabricated an accusation to create chaos.”
A case of malicious damage and robbery has been registered, and the ten suspects—Ssembusi Precious Paul, Bukenya Ismail, Lokoro Liberty, Nakabuye Mastura, Waiswa Raston, Nasozi Hope, Saliman Kagwa, Kamulegeya Regan, Katamba Stephen, and Lubega Alison—are being held at Lira City Central Police Station pending guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Police also impounded a green Toyota Hiace drone, registration UA 933AU, believed to have been involved in the attack.
Other violent incidents have been reported in Mayuge, Kyankwanzi, Kisiita, and Busia districts. Earlier this month, members of Bobi Wine’s campaign team, including Bob Njagi, Denis Onyango, and Joseph Ssenyonga, were detained during a rally in Mukono District.
On October 3, an officer covering NUP events in Mayuge was assaulted by bodyguards and supporters, sustaining serious injuries and losing his phone.
A case was filed under Mayuge CRB 797/2025. On October 8 in Kyankwanzi District, a detective constable was attacked during a rally at Bikoma Primary School. “One of the foot soldiers punched one of our NCOs and disappeared into the crowd before he could be arrested,” police reported.
On October 21, Kyagulanyi was accused of deviating from an approved campaign route in Kisiita Town Council, resulting in property damage.
“The crowd at the site became unruly, forcing police to block their advance and manage a standoff, during which the front windscreen of a police vehicle was damaged,” authorities said. In Busia, another officer was attacked, and the case was registered at Busia CPS under CRB 1038/2025.
Despite the tensions, police reiterated their commitment to protecting all candidates.
“The police remain committed to providing security to candidates but will not tolerate criminality and hooliganism,” the statement read. Authorities also warned against holding unauthorized roadside rallies or deviating from approved campaign venues, calling such acts “unacceptable.”
The Uganda Police Force urged all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, follow the law, and ensure peace during the campaign period. “We urge all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, adhere to the law, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period,” the statement concluded.
