Tensions flared in Mbarara District on Friday afternoon after several National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and members of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign team were intercepted and arrested by security operatives while heading to their second rally ground.
The arrests followed a successful first rally held at Mbarara High School playground, where Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
However, when the team proceeded to their next venue in Buzibwera Town Council, they were met with a heavy deployment of police and army personnel who blocked their advance.
During the ensuing confrontation, several NUP supporters were beaten, injured, and a number of them arrested.
Despite Bobi Wine’s attempts to intervene and stop the arrests, security operatives went ahead to detain multiple individuals.
Many supporters fled the scene, abandoning their motorcycles and vehicles, while others were rounded up and driven away in police trucks.
Bobi Wine condemned what he described as acts of cowardice and continued police brutality against his supporters.
“My trail team has been arrested. We condemn these acts of cowardice. The regime can’t believe we received such a huge welcome in Western Uganda,” he said.
He further accused the police of persistently targeting his campaign team across the country, expressing frustration with the Electoral Commission’s silence on the matter.
“This is not the first time this is happening, and surprisingly the Electoral Commission headed by Mr. Byabakama is silent about this. Byabakama complained about my buying roasted maize from a vendor in Karamoja but hasn’t come out to speak against police acts against my team,” Bobi Wine stated.
However, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke defended the operation, saying it was part of a broader effort to apprehend individuals on NUP team with criminal records linked to election-related violence in several districts.
“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 were also arrested,” he said.
Kituuma added that police will not tolerate criminality or disorder during the campaign period, warning candidates and their supporters against engaging in acts of violence.
“Police will not tolerate criminality or disorder. Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable,” he noted.
He also urged all political actors to remain law-abiding and peaceful throughout the campaign period.
“All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period and follow campaign guidelines as issued by all regulatory stakeholders,” Kituuma said.
By press time, the exact number of those detained was not yet established.
