Mbarara : Uganda Police Arrest Bobi Wine Supporters

A fresh wave of political tension has erupted in Uganda as police confirmed the arrest of several supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, following clashes during campaign activities in Mbarara District.

In a statement released Friday evening, the Uganda Police Force defended the arrests, stating that the ongoing presidential campaigns have been largely peaceful, but that “a few individuals have persistently provoked police and engaged in acts of violence against officers.” The force detailed allegations of damaged police vehicles, assaulted personnel, and obstruction of officers on duty.

The police statement, signed from Police Headquarters, cited a pattern of incidents involving NUP supporters across the country, including assaults on officers in Busia, Mayuge, and Kyankwanzi districts, destruction of police property in Kakumiro, and an attack on a journalist in Kiruhura earlier this month.

According to the police, the arrests in Mbarara specifically targeted “individuals with criminal records” who were allegedly involved in assaulting officers and destroying government property. The statement carried a stern warning to all candidates: “Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable.”

Bobi Wine Condemns “Intimidation”

The NUP leader, who had just concluded rallies in the Ankole sub-region, vehemently condemned the arrests, characterizing them as a deliberate act of intimidation by a fearful regime.

“We know these are signs of fear and cowardice. The regime can’t believe we received such a huge welcome in Western Uganda,” Bobi Wine stated.

He escalated his criticism, accusing the Electoral Commission of complicity by turning a blind eye to the harassment of opposition candidates. “Mr. Byabakama has not said a thing about the arrests and attacks on our supporters. Instead, he only comments when it’s about petty issues like me buying maize,” Bobi Wine said, calling on the commission to rein in the security forces.

In a social media post, the singer-turned-politician framed the event as a violent ambush, writing, “Moments as these criminals in uniform waylaid us and violently arrested many comrades! The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH! #FreeUgandaNow”

Drawing a parallel to a past crackdown, Bobi Wine compared the Mbarara arrests to the 2021 Kalangala incident where dozens of his supporters were detained and charged with treason. He vowed that the ongoing pressure would not weaken his movement’s resolve, warning, “The PEOPLE OF UGANDA WILL HAVE THE LAST LAUGH!”

Police Insist on Law and Order

In their statement, police reiterated that their primary mandate is to preserve law and order, not to suppress political activity. They affirmed their commitment to safeguarding all candidates while remaining inflexible against what they perceive as criminality.

“We remain steadfast in safeguarding all candidates, but will not tolerate criminality,” the statement concluded, urging all political actors to respect the legal framework and maintain peace throughout the heated campaign period.

The incident in Mbarara underscores the deeply polarized political environment in Uganda, where opposition campaigns often clash with state security apparatus, raising persistent questions about the boundaries of law enforcement and the freedom of expression in the East African nation.