Campaign violence has escalated in Uganda as presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, continues his push ahead of the 2026 elections.
Over the past week, confrontations between his National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and security forces have intensified, raising concerns about the political climate and the safety of opposition activities.
The latest incidents occurred in Bulindo-Kira and Gulu City, where Kyagulanyi’s campaign teams faced both direct police interventions and attacks by armed gangs. Here, police accused NUP supporters of instigating chaos, claiming the disturbances led to injuries and property damage.
“Three police personnel were injured and three vehicles damaged during the chaotic scenes,” said Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke. The authorities maintain that Kyagulanyi himself may have sustained injuries by “stumbling and falling” amid the clashes, though a medical investigation is ongoing.
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi described the police version as “ridiculous,” insisting that supporters were moving peacefully before being intercepted.
“He [Kyagulanyi] will undergo surgery to remove fragments of a tear gas canister from his leg. This brutality is not only despicable, but it speaks volumes about a decades-old regime whose only language is violence towards peaceful citizens,” Ssenyonyi said.
The violence in Gulu City added another layer of complexity to the tense political atmosphere. Videos circulated on social media showed supporters shielding Kyagulanyi as security forces beat back crowds.
At least five NUP supporters were injured, while Daniel Oyirwoth, a long-time associate of Kyagulanyi known as Sir Dan Magic, suffered a head injury during a confrontation with armed security personnel.
Witnesses described chaos as gangs wielding bottles and machetes stormed the rally venue, vandalizing equipment and vehicles.
Kyagulanyi himself condemned the attacks, questioning the rationale behind the crackdown. “We have done nothing wrong. What crime have we committed?” he asked, highlighting the frustration felt by opposition leaders as they navigate increasingly restrictive campaign conditions.
A political season marked by tensions
Uganda’s 2026 election season is shaping up as one of the most contested in recent history, with President Yoweri Museveni facing his second significant challenge from Kyagulanyi.
Human rights groups have warned that the repeated use of heavy-handed tactics, inconsistent enforcement of campaign regulations, and violent confrontations risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Police, however, defend their actions as measures to maintain order. “Kyagulanyi defied the venue designated for his campaign rally and attempted to proceed to another location. We stopped him and advised adherence to agreed plans,” a police statement explained.
Despite the intimidation and disruptions, NUP has vowed to continue mobilizing its supporters. “Our supporters will not be intimidated,” Kyagulanyi’s campaign team reiterated, signaling determination to maintain momentum amid heightened tensions.
The unfolding clashes underscore the irony of a political system that, while formally open to multiple candidates, still witnesses frequent confrontations that threaten both public safety and democratic engagement.
As Uganda moves closer to its 2026 elections, the persistence of these clashes raises pressing questions about electoral fairness, the role of security forces, and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely.
