ARUA
The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Hon. Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, made a campaign stop in Arua District and City on Wednesday, drawing large crowds but also sparking clashes with police.
Mr. Kyagulanyi began his tour at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, where he was unable to address supporters. He later proceeded to Ovisoni Trading Centre, waving to roadside crowds before moving through Giligili in Ayivu West Division and onward to Ediofe Mission.
At Onduparaka Trading Centre, the candidate attempted to access the City Centre via a route not agreed upon with authorities. Police blocked the move, prompting him to make a U-turn. In a dramatic turn of events, Kyagulanyi boarded a boda boda, concealed his face with a helmet, and rode a numberless motorcycle through the City Centre to the NUP offices in Oli Central Division. From the rooftop of an unfinished building, he addressed cheering supporters.
Despite earlier agreements, Kyagulanyi pressed on with a large crowd trailing him along Rhino Camp Road to Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa, where the rally concluded.
Tensions escalated when some supporters hurled stones at police, damaging four vehicles:
UP 03271 at 4:59 pm (Diary Ref. 65/19/11/2025), UP 03346 at 5:34 pm (Diary Ref. 70/19/11/2025), UP 00173 at (Diary Ref. 71/19/11/2025) and UP 7697 (Diary Ref. 78/19/11/2025)
Police confirmed that 32 suspects were arrested after CCTV footage was reviewed. They remain in custody at Arua CPS pending further investigation. The damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles, and documentation has been completed by the scene of crime officer.
Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia urged political actors and their supporters to respect campaign guidelines and avoid acts of hooliganism. “We continue to urge political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behavior that could lead to accidents, injuries, loss of life, or disruption of other lawful activities,” she said.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the campaign event concluded without further incident.
