Bobi Wine Alleges Plot to Arrest Him Before Elections

National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate Bobi Wine has alleged that security agencies plan to arrest him before polling day and provoke violence in Mbale City, claims authorities said were not backed by evidence.

In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, said he had received information from what he described as “security circles” pointing to a plot to have him arrested ahead of the January 15, 2026 vote.

He alleged that the plan involved staged provocations by a police officer he identified as “Bravo” and by people disguised in NUP colours, aimed at justifying a crackdown on his supporters and the deployment of the military.

“They want to provoke a confrontation in Mbale City or neighbouring districts so that they get justification,” Bobi Wine said, drawing parallels with the unrest that followed his arrest in November 2020, when at least 37 people were killed according to rights groups.

The opposition leader urged his supporters to remain peaceful and non-violent, while also calling on them to stay “very assertive”.

The allegations came as Bobi Wine planned to hold a major rally in Mbale City, a key opposition stronghold in eastern Uganda where NUP has previously drawn large crowds and secured electoral wins.

There was no immediate comment from the Uganda Police Force or the government on the claims.

Evidence

However, a source who preferred anonymity challenged Bobi to present evidence to back up his claims.

“However, Bobi should know that if he engages in any acts of violence, the state will deal with him firmly,” the source, who preferred anonymity to speak freely, emphasized.

Authorities have previously dismissed similar allegations by the opposition as unfounded and have said security deployments are meant to maintain public order.

Uganda has a history of tense election periods marked by arrests, disruptions of opposition events and heavy security presence.