The Police have defended the arrest of several National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in Mbarara District, saying the operation was part of a wider crackdown on election-related violence that has seen security personnel attacked and property destroyed in different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on November 7, 2025, police said the campaign trail for presidential candidates has “largely remained peaceful,” but noted that “a few individuals have persistently provoked police and engaged in acts of violence against officers.”
“These actions include damaging police vehicles, assaulting personnel, causing public disorder, and the inconsiderate use of public roads,” the statement reads in part.
“The Uganda Police Force has made clear that such conduct is unacceptable and will have consequences.”
The statement followed an earlier incident in which police intercepted NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on his way to Bwizibwera in Mbarara District for a scheduled campaign rally. Several of his supporters were arrested during the confrontation.
Bobi Wine condemned the arrests, accusing police of targeting his campaign without justification.
“We have been intercepted here and police has no reason, much as we have been asking why,” he said at the scene.
“Several of our people have been arrested; some have fainted, some have disappeared, and many have been whisked away.”
Regional Police Commander SSP Alfred Bangambaki, who led the interception, said the detained individuals “had committed offenses,” though he did not provide further details at the time.
In its Friday press release, police explained that the arrests in Mbarara were part of a broader pattern of enforcement against violent conduct linked to political mobilization across several districts.
“Today November 7, 2025, several arrests have been made in Mbarara District targeting individuals with criminal records, including assaulting officers, destroying government property, and those that obstructed officers on duty,” the statement read.
The force cited multiple incidents involving NUP supporters in previous campaign stops — including assaults on police officers and damage to official vehicles.
Police said in Busia District, suspects traveling in a NUP convoy assaulted an officer, while in Mayuge on October 3, an officer was attacked and had his phone stolen.
In Kyankwanzi, another officer was assaulted during a rally at Bikoma Primary School, and in Kakumiro on October 21, a police vehicle’s windshield was damaged.
“Additionally, on October 28, 2025, in transit from Lira City to Alebtong District, police officers moving behind the NUP presidential candidate convoy were attacked, their vehicle tires were punctured, and property stolen,” the statement added.
The next day in Abim, “a group of NUP candidate bodyguards assaulted Edibu Emmanuel who was later hospitalized,” while on November 5, a journalist was attacked in Kiruhura District.
Police said the crackdown in Mbarara targeted repeat offenders and individuals known for inciting violence, stressing that not all campaign participants were under scrutiny.
“It should be emphasized that not all campaign participants engage in such conduct. Many behave respectfully and lawfully. Police action is directed at those who, by choice, repeatedly confront officers and incite violence,” the statement noted.
The force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all candidates regardless of affiliation but warned that criminal acts would not be tolerated.
“The police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding all candidates but will not tolerate criminality or disorder. Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable,” the statement concluded.
Kyagulanyi, however, maintains that the security operations are politically motivated attempts to frustrate his campaign, particularly in western Uganda.
“They are doing this to deter us from going to all these places in Ankole, but we shall go to Rwampara and Ntungamo because we are going there within the law,” he said.
As investigations continue, the Electoral Commission has yet to issue a comment on the standoff, even as campaign activities intensify across the country ahead of the 2026 elections.
