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Uganda Police in West Nile Region have arrested 32 suspects following violent clashes that marred National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)’s campaign in Arua City and District on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
According to the Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Josephine Angucia, supporters of the opposition leader allegedly stoned police patrol vehicles after Kyagulanyi deviated from the route agreed upon with the Electoral Commission and security committee.
She disclosed that Four police vehicles were damaged in the incidents that occurred in Oli Division, Arua City. The affected vehicles include: UP 03271 (damaged at 16:59 hrs), UP M/V 03346 (damaged at 17:34 hrs), UP M/V 00173 (damaged at 17:35 hrs) and UP M/V 7697
Police say Cases of malicious damage to property have been opened at Arua Central Police Station under multiple case references, adding that CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify additional suspects, and the 32 individuals currently in custody were positively identified through the ongoing review.
Kyagulanyi had begun his day at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-county but failed to address supporters there.
He later made an unscheduled stop at the NUP offices in Oli Central Division, where he climbed onto the rooftop of an unfinished building to speak, before proceeding with a large crowd along Rhino Camp Road to the official venue at Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa – again deviating from the approved route.
Despite the violence, police reported no injuries and confirmed the campaign eventually concluded at the designated venue.
SSP Angucia commended officers for exercising “a high level of professionalism and restraint” amid provocations, while urging political actors and supporters to strictly adhere to agreed campaign schedules and refrain from acts of hooliganism.
Investigations continue, with the damaged vehicles set to undergo inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles. Additional arrests are expected as the CCTV analysis progresses. Kyagulanyi’s west Nile campaign rally that started early this week, in Pakwach, Madi-Okollo,Zombo and Nebbi were all peaceful with no reported cases of violence.
