Kiruhura District Chairperson Dan Rutetebya has accused supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), commonly known as "foot soldiers", of assaulting residents during Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign visit to the district earlier this week.
Rutetebya claims the group used short-hand hammers and gloves fitted with nails to attack people, mainly those wearing yellow T-shirts, the colour associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
The reported incidents occurred on Wednesday, when Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, was forced to abandon his planned rally in Kiruhura District after violent clashes broke out between his team and locals.
Kyagulanyi, had earlier held a peaceful rally in Kazo District, but tensions flared as his convoy entered Kiruhura, widely regarded as a stronghold of President Museveni, with reports of stone-throwing and confrontations between rival supporters.
Speaking in an interview, Rutetebya alleged that the chaos was triggered by NUP supporters who provoked residents and went on to beat and rob people in the area.
“They were beating anyone wearing a yellow T-shirt. They even robbed residents and shops,” Rutetebya claimed.
“They had gloves with nails and small hammers which they used to hit people you saw bleeding.”
He further accused the group of causing deliberate chaos to attract attention.
“I think he wanted to create intimidation and be seen on camera. They even carry stones in those drones they move with to throw at people,” Rutetebya added.
During his press conference, Kyagulanyi dismissed claims that his supporters provoked residents or engaged in any form of violence.
He instead accused government-aligned groups of orchestrating the attacks to discredit his campaign.
In a post on his official X account, Kyagulanyi stated that his team was attacked by “well-mobilised gangs” carrying posters of President Museveni and wearing yellow T-shirts during their campaign activities.
“Everything was caught on camera and we are aware that some of the goons were mobilised by the mayor of Sanga Town Council,” Kyagulanyi said, adding that the attacks were intended to “tarnish the image of our comrades from western Uganda and drive a divisive agenda premised on tribalism.”
Kyagulanyi, who is seeking to unseat President Museveni for the second time, is continuing his campaign tour in western Uganda and is expected to hold a rally in Mbarara City today, Friday ahead of the January 2026 polls.
