ARUA – National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has reiterated what he says is his commitment to upholding peace and his team continuing to cooperate with security agencies.
He says this commitment also requires that the security act in good faith.
“For us, we are very peaceful. If the police are not involved, everything is peaceful,” he said on November 20, 2025, from Royal Host hotel in Arua City, ahead of his campaign tour in Terego and Maracha districts.
Kyagulanyi noted that as a presidential candidate, he is entitled to unfettered access to campaign venues agreed upon with authorities. “Everything we are doing is within the law,” he said.
His comments came shortly after violent scenes in Arua City on Wednesday during which several people, including Vision Group journalists Paul Kiberu and David Tamale, were injured.
Kyagulanyi, who is canvassing support in the West Nile region ahead of next year’s General Elections, accused the Police of repeatedly disrupting his movements in attempts to block his supporters from accessing his rally in Arua City.
The chaos erupted shortly after his convoy entered the city, where groups of enthusiastic supporters lined the streets. Security personnel fired teargas and several live rounds into the air as the crowd grew, forcing many people to flee. A total of 32 NUP supporters were arrested during the scuffle .
Kyagulanyi, who had spent Tuesday night in Nebbi Town, arrived in Arua at around 11:30am on Wednesday after driving more than 80km. Police accused the suspects of damaging four of their patrol cars during the fracas.
“He (Mr Kyagulanyi) began his campaign at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, Arua District; however, he was unable to address the rally there. He then proceeded to Ovisoni Trading Centre, also in Vurra Sub-County, where he waved at people by the roadside. From Ovisoni Trading Centre, Mr. Kyagulanyi and his team moved towards Giligili area in Ayivu West Division, Arua City, before proceeding to Ediofe Mission. They then turned right toward Onduparaka Trading Centre in Ayivu West, where he again waved at the people. At Onduparaka Trading Centre, he attempted to access the City Centre via a direct route that was not agreed upon in the prior meeting. However, he was blocked and unable to proceed. He then made a U-turn, apparently intending to follow the agreed-upon route through Ediofe to Barifa,” said West Nile police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia.
After Mr Kyagulanyi’s car convoy was blocked from accessing the city, he jumped on a boda boda, which he used to access the NUP party offices in Oli Central Division of the city.
“There, he climbed onto the rooftop of an unfinished building housing his office to address his supporters. Despite the originally agreed route, Mr. Kyagulanyi continued with a large and rowdy crowd following him via Rhino Camp Road to the venue at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa. Some of his supporters threw stones at police, damaging the following vehicles: UP 03271 at 16:59 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 65/19/11/2025) UP M/V 03346 at 17:34 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 70/19/11/2025) UP M/V 00173 at 17:35 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 71/19/11/2025) UP M/V 7697 (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 78/19/11/2025),” SSP Angucia added.
Police have opened separate cases of malicious damage, each with different reference numbers at Arua Central Police Station.
“CCTV footage is being analysed to identify those involved in the damage to police vehicles. As of now, 32 suspects have been arrested following CCTV analysis, and they are currently detained at Arua CPS pending further investigation,” she added.
The damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles, and efforts to locate other suspects are underway, according to police.
“All necessary documentation has been completed by the scene of crime officer. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the campaign concluded successfully. We continue to urge political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behaviour that could lead to accidents, injuries, loss of life, or disruption of other lawful activities,” SSP Angucia urged.
Mr Kyagulanyi in 2019 described Arua City as his Mecca in memory of the 2018 Arua Municipality by-election that was marred by brutality, killings, and arrests of opposition political supporters, including himself. His driver, Yasin Kawuma was shot dead as he campaigned for Kasiano Wadri during a by-election.
The NUP leadership says the arrests are politically motivated and intended to intimidate their supporters.
Ever since presidential campaigns started on September 29, 2025, ahead of the 2026 General Election, Mr Kyagulanyi and his team have encountered several security blockades, with many of his supporters arrested on malicious damage and traffic-related offences or for staging a birthday parade as the NUP president marked his 43rd birthday on February 12, 2025.
Several NUP supporters are in prison on remand on different charges.