Bobi Wine Fans Injured as Rising Security Violence Hits NUP Campaign

Bobi Wine condemned today's violence in Gulu

GULU: Violence surrounding the campaign trail of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi intensified on Saturday after armed gangs attacked his rally venue in Gulu City and security forces blocked him from accessing the area, raising fresh concerns about the political climate ahead of the 2026 elections.

At least five NUP supporters were injured when gangs carrying bottles and machetes stormed the rally site, vandalising vehicles, sound equipment and other property.

Witnesses said the raid happened shortly before Kyagulanyi’s convoy was intercepted by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and police officers at the Bank of Uganda junction on Airfield Road.

Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, was forced to walk several kilometres to reach supporters waiting at the venue.

Videos circulating on social media showed supporters shielding him as security personnel beat them back.

His long-time associate, Daniel Oyirwoth — known as Sir Dan Magic — suffered a head injury during a confrontation with armed security operatives who attempted to stop Kyagulanyi from entering Gulu City.

“We have done nothing wrong,” said Bobi as military personnel hit his supporters with long sticks.

“What crime have we done?” he wondered.

NUP said the incidents form part of a broader pattern of harassment.

In a statement, the party accused security agencies of enabling attacks by gangs and “brutalising” its campaign members.

“Our rally venue was raided, our property vandalised, and our people beaten. This is now systematic,” the party observed.

Police reaction

Police on Friday defended their actions, saying Kyagulanyi had attempted to divert from the rally venue agreed with stakeholders.

“The Territorial Police in the Aswa West Region today, blocked the NUP presidential candidate, Hon. Kyagulanyi, after he defied the venue designated for his campaign rally. He and his team abruptly attempted to divert and proceed to the Elegu border instead,” the police said in a statement.

“We have stopped him from continuing in that direction and advised him to adhere to the venue earlier agreed upon.”

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that heavy-handed tactics and inconsistent restrictions on opposition campaigns risk undermining public confidence in the election process.

NUP says its activities have been disrupted in multiple districts since campaigns began, citing blocked road access, confiscated equipment and violent confrontations.

Authorities have generally denied targeting opposition candidates, arguing that security deployments are meant to ensure public order.

Kyagulanyi is mounting his second challenge to President Museveni.

Repeated violence on the campaign trail could heighten tensions as the country moves closer to the 2026 vote.

NUP vowed to continue its mobilisation efforts despite the disruptions. “Our supporters will not be intimidated.”