By Hakim Wampamba | November 6, 2025
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was forced to cancel his scheduled campaign rally in Kiruhura District on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between his supporters and groups of youths wearing yellow T-shirts associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to Kyagulanyi, the confrontation was well-organized and reportedly took place under police protection. “We encountered groups of organized goons in yellow T-shirts armed with sticks to attack us, while the regime police looked on,” he posted on his official X account.
The day had begun peacefully, with large numbers of NUP supporters gathering at the hotel where Kyagulanyi and his wife Barbie had spent the night. However, tension rose when his convoy moved towards Kiruhura through Lyantonde Town along Kaguta Road, a highway named after President Museveni.
The situation turned violent at Ssanga Trading Centre, where groups of yellow-clad youths—allegedly backed by security forces—confronted NUP supporters. Witnesses reported that army trucks were distributing NRM-branded shirts and posters, while NUP posters were being torn down. Several journalists covering the incident were also attacked by the groups.
Observers described the confrontation as a coordinated attempt to block Kyagulanyi from holding a rally in Museveni’s home region. The NUP convoy was eventually forced to retreat to Kazo District, where Kyagulanyi managed to briefly address his supporters.
Residents who attended the Kazo rally said they faced intimidation from local security officials and Resident District Commissioners. The chaotic scenes were reminiscent of events in 2020, when Kyagulanyi’s campaign team was similarly blocked from holding rallies in Kiruhura.
By Thursday morning, reports indicated that more than 50 NUP supporters and 30 boda boda riders had been arrested. There were also claims that one of Kyagulanyi’s security aides, Kavuma Jamushid (commonly known as Kapaafu), had been detained and taken to an undisclosed location.
As of press time, neither the Uganda Police Force, the Electoral Commission, nor the NRM had released official statements about the incident.
Kiruhura and Kazo Districts are known as NRM strongholds, often delivering over 95 percent of votes in favor of President Museveni during past elections.
Despite the disruptions, Kyagulanyi’s campaign team confirmed that they would continue their nationwide tour, with their next stop scheduled for Isingiro District. The visit will mark the 32nd day of his campaign, covering 53 districts so far, though rallies in Kiruhura, Iganga, Otuke, and Karenga have been missed due to various disruptions.