32 NUP Supporters Arrested as Bobi Wine’s Campaign Turns Violent in Ar**Arua City, Uganda** – Tensions reached a boiling point in Arua City on Wednesday, when violent clashes between supporters of opposition leader Bobi Wine and Ugandan security forces led to the arrest of at least 32 individuals. The suspects, all reportedly affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been detained by the Territorial Police in the West Nile region for their involvement in the unrest during a campaign rally for the presidential candidate.
The incident unfolded as Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was holding a major campaign event in the heart of Arua, a city that has become a focal point for political activity in recent months. What was initially a peaceful gathering soon descended into chaos as protestors clashed with heavily-armed police officers, who were deployed to maintain order at the event.
Violence Erupts Amid Tense Political Climate**
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation rapidly spiraled out of control after police attempted to disperse the crowd with tear gas and rubber bullets. As tensions mounted, some of Bobi Wine’s supporters reportedly threw stones and barricaded streets in defiance. The confrontations led to several injuries, although the exact number has yet to be confirmed by authorities. One local source claimed that a few of the protesters were struck by rubber bullets, while others were reportedly injured during the stampede that followed.
“The violence was completely unprovoked. We were peacefully listening to our candidate when the police just started firing tear gas and chasing people,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “It was terrifying. I saw people running in all directions, trying to escape.”
The police force in the West Nile region has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the altercation but has confirmed the arrests. Local reports indicate that the detained individuals are being held on charges related to unlawful assembly and incitement to violence, though the full scope of the charges has not been disclosed. In the wake of the arrests, police officials stated that they would take “necessary action” against anyone found to be instigating unrest.
**Political Tensions Intensify Ahead of Elections**
This latest outbreak of violence is the latest chapter in a growing wave of political unrest that has marked Bobi Wine’s campaign. Arua, located in Uganda’s West Nile region, has long been a hotspot for political tensions, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. As Bobi Wine continues to draw large crowds in his bid to unseat long-time President Yoweri Museveni, the stakes for both sides have never been higher.
Bobi Wine, who rose to prominence as a musician before entering politics, has become a formidable challenge to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. However, his campaign has faced numerous obstacles, including violent crackdowns by security forces, arrests of supporters, and accusations of electoral manipulation. In past rallies, both in Arua and other regions, Bobi Wine’s supporters have faced harassment, and there have been reports of police disrupting peaceful gatherings, using tear gas, and even arresting campaign volunteers.
In response to the violence, Bobi Wine took to social media to condemn the actions of security forces and demand the immediate release of those arrested. He called the crackdown an attempt to silence his supporters and suppress their constitutional rights to assemble and express their political views.
**Bobi Wine Calls for Non-Violence Amid Unrest**
“I want to assure you, the people of Uganda, that we will not be intimidated by violence. We will not allow the government to use fear to silence us. We demand the release of all those who have been unjustly arrested,” Bobi Wine wrote on his official Twitter account. “We call on our supporters to remain peaceful, but we will not back down from our fight for justice and democracy.”
His message was echoed by NUP party officials, who accused the government of engaging in a systematic campaign of political repression. “This violence is not just happening in Arua; it’s happening all over Uganda,” said an NUP spokesperson. “The government’s message is clear: they will stop at nothing to ensure they hold onto power. But the people will not be silenced.”
**Arua’s Growing Significance in the Electoral Struggle**
Arua has taken on greater significance in Uganda’s political landscape, especially after the 2018 Arua by-election, which saw violent clashes between opposition supporters and security forces. That election was marred by the dramatic arrest of Bobi Wine and other opposition figures, an event that sparked protests and led to accusations of election rigging. This latest incident has further fueled suspicions that the government is willing to resort to force to maintain control ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Many in the region feel that Bobi Wine represents a viable alternative to President Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule. “We are tired of the same old leaders who have failed us,” one Arua resident said. “Bobi Wine speaks for the youth. We want change, and that’s why the government is trying to stop him by any means necessary.”
**International Calls for Calm**
As the political crisis deepens, international organizations have called for calm and urged the government to respect the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly expressed concern over the increasing violence surrounding political campaigns in Uganda.
“The Ugandan government must ensure that its security forces are acting in accordance with the law and human rights standards,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Violence has no place in democratic processes, and the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly must be upheld.”
For now, the situation in Arua remains volatile, and political observers are watching closely to see if further unrest will unfold. With Bobi Wine vowing to continue his campaign despite the crackdown, it is clear that the battle for Uganda’s future will only intensify as the elections draw nearer.
