Police have arrested ten supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for allegedly attacking police officers trailing presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and stealing items including 20 litres of fuel, a bag of clothes, and a laptop.
According to police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Abote Village near Obote Primary School as Kyagulanyi’s convoy moved from Lira to Alebtong District.
“At around 1300 hours, a group of NUP supporters abruptly stopped and attacked police officers who were in a vehicle, registration number UBK 382M, trailing the candidate. They punctured the tyres with sharp metal objects, confiscated the car key, and stole 20 litres of diesel, a bag of clothes belonging to one of the officers, and a laptop,” Rusoke said.
He added that the attackers alleged the police vehicle was interfering with their online network.
“However, since the campaigns began, they have been live-streaming their movements and communicating freely, even with the police. So what we see is a fabricated accusation meant to create chaos,” he explained.
Those arrested include Ssembuusi Precious Paul, Ismail Bukenya, Liberty Lokoro, Masitula Nabukenya, Waiswa Rastone, Hope Nassozi, Saliman Kaggwa, Kamulegeya Reagan, Steven Katamba, and Allison Lubega.
They are currently detained at Lira Central Police Station pending guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Rusoke said the suspects will be charged with malicious damage and robbery once investigations are complete.
Police also impounded a green Toyota Hiace, commonly known as a drone, registration number UAU 9333A, believed to have been used in the incident.
The police spokesperson condemned what he called a growing trend of “provoking officers and turning aggression into a habit” among certain political supporters.
“We shall go for conflict entrepreneurs—those who have chosen to confront police officers at leisure and turned aggression, belligerence, and violence into a habit,” Rusoke warned.
He further cited similar incidents in Mayuge, Kyankwanzi, and Busia Districts, where police officers were assaulted or their property damaged during campaign events.
“The police remain committed to providing security to all candidates, but we shall not tolerate criminality and hooliganism. We urge all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, adhere to the law, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period,” he added.
Police said efforts are underway to recover the stolen items and identify any accomplices involved in the attack.
On Tuesday night, photos and videos circulated on social media showing police officers both in uniform and plain clothes surrounding a hotel in Lira where Bobi Wine, and his team were spending the night.
According to Bobi Wine, the officers forcefully entered several rooms while searching for certain individuals. He alleged that police sprayed tear gas inside the hotel rooms, causing panic among his team members and guests.
“Our hotel in Lira City has been raided by the police and military commanded by one Moses Mukiibi. They’re currently breaking into the rooms,” Bobi wine wrote on his x
