Mbale/Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Police Force has spoken out on the two viral videos that surfaced online on Thursday showing uniformed officers allegedly tearing posters of a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, during operations in Kampala and Mbale.
The incidents, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, September 24, sparked outrage among NUP supporters after footage from Kampala’s Mini Price in the Central Business District and on Pallisa Road along the Mbale-Kampala Highway, as NUP supporters marched in procession carrying placards and posters of Mr Kyagulanyi, showed police engaged in altercations with opposition supporters before dispersing them.
In the process, some campaign materials, including posters bearing the NUP presidential flag bearer (who was nominated on Wednesday), were seen being destroyed by officers, some clad in the forces uniform while others in civilian wear.
Responding to the incidents, Police, in a statement released Thursday, September 25, confirmed awareness of the videos and acknowledged that investigations had been launched into the conduct of its officers.
“The Uganda Police Force has taken note of two videos circulating on social media showing police officers allegedly tearing a candidate’s poster during operations. These incidents reportedly took place yesterday, 24 September 2025, in Mbale City and the Central Business District of Kampala City,” the statement read.
The footage, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, triggered heated debate, with NUP supporters accusing police of political bias and targeting opposition candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Human rights activists also condemned the scenes, saying they undermine democratic freedoms and fair campaigning.
Police, however, maintained that the encounters began after confrontations with NUP supporters who clashed with officers while mobilising in the two cities. “An altercation occurred between police officers and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), leading to the dispersal of the supporters. During this process, some campaign materials were damaged,” the police noted.
Police assured that disciplinary measures would be taken if the ongoing inquiries confirm wrongdoing by the officers involved. “The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation into these allegations, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry,” the statement concluded.
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