Police in Arua have arrested 32 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) over allegations of malicious damage to police vehicles during Wednesday’s campaign activities of party president and presidential candidate Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.
According to a statement issued by West Nile Region Police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia, trouble began after Kyagulanyi’s campaign trail made several unscheduled stopovers and attempted to divert from the route earlier agreed upon with security teams.
Angucia said Kyagulanyi, who had begun his campaign at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, failed to address the gathering there and later proceeded to various points including Ovisoni Trading Centre, Giligili, Ediofe, and Onduparaka Trading Centre, where crowds gathered to wave at him.
“At Onduparaka Trading Centre, the candidate tried to access the City Centre using a route that had not been agreed upon. When he was blocked, he made a U-turn and later boarded a numberless motorcycle, covering his face with a helmet, and rode through the City Centre to the NUP offices in Oli Central Division,” Angucia said.
From the NUP office, Kyagulanyi reportedly addressed supporters from the rooftop of an unfinished building before leading a procession along Rhino Camp Road towards Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa.
Police report that during the procession, some of the supporters became rowdy and pelted stones at police vehicles.
Angucia confirmed that four police vehicles were damaged in the incidents, with each case recorded separately at Arua Central Police Station under various station diary references.
“The supporters threw stones at our vehicles — UP 03271, UP M/V 03346, UP M/V 00173, and UP M/V 7697 — causing extensive damage. Using CCTV footage, we have so far arrested 32 suspects who are currently detained at Arua CPS pending further investigations,” she stated.
She added that the damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles, while efforts to identify and arrest other suspects are ongoing. All scenes were documented by the scene of crime officer, and no injuries were reported during the fracas.
Angucia urged political actors and their supporters to respect campaign guidelines and avoid acts that could lead to violence or disrupt public order.
“We continue to appeal to all groups to refrain from hooliganism, acts that may cause injuries, loss of life, or disrupt other lawful activities. Campaigns should be peaceful and conducted within the agreed guidelines,” she emphasized.
Despite the disturbances, police say Kyagulanyi’s rally at Inzikuru Stadium concluded successfully.
