At least 29 supporters of Uganda’s main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been arrested for allegedly blocking a road as party leader and presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, travelled to Mityana District for campaign rallies ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the incident occurred on Monday, 6 October, at Bujjuko Trading Centre along Hoima Road. Police said the group disrupted traffic and created disorder as they awaited Mr Kyagulanyi’s convoy.
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“Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert had planned to travel to Mityana for a rally. Although he was expected to use the Mityana Highway, he opted for Hoima Road,” Mr Onyango said in a statement. “Joint security teams had been deployed to maintain order along the designated routes, but some supporters began drumming, whistling and blocking traffic despite repeated warnings.”
Mr Onyango confirmed that 29 individuals were arrested and detained at Wakiso Police Division while investigations continue. He urged all presidential candidates and their supporters to follow approved campaign routes and adhere to traffic regulations to ensure public safety.
“We appeal to all candidates to comply with traffic regulations, follow approved movement plans and respect the rights of other road users,” he added.
The arrests come amid growing tensions between opposition politicians and security forces. Over the past week, police have clashed with campaign teams of both Mr Kyagulanyi and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Nathan Nandala Mafabi over route disputes.
Last Friday, Mr Kyagulanyi cancelled scheduled rallies in Iganga after police blocked his planned procession routes. While security agencies insist they are enforcing the law to maintain public order, opposition figures accuse them of bias, claiming that supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) are often allowed to breach campaign and traffic rules without consequence.
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