Arua City, Uganda: The Territorial Police in the West Nile Region are holding in custody at least 32 suspects arrested on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted during NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign activities in Arua City and Arua District.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia said the violence began after Kyagulanyi allegedly diverted from the route agreed upon with the Electoral Commission and the district security committee, prompting chaotic scenes as supporters hurled stones at police vehicles.
Four patrol vehicles were damaged during the disturbances in Oli Division, with police listing the affected units as UP 03271 (damaged at 16:59 hrs), UP M/V 03346 (damaged at 17:34 hrs), UP M/V 00173 (damaged at 17:35 hrs) and UP M/V 7697.
SSP Angucia said police have since opened cases of malicious damage to property at Arua Central Police Station under multiple reference numbers. She added that CCTV footage is also under review to identify additional culprits, and the 32 suspects arrested so far were positively identified during the preliminary analysis.
Campaign Trail Deviations Trigger Chaos
DailyExpress understands that Kyagulanyi began his campaign day at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-county but did not address supporters at the venue. He later made an unscheduled appearance at NUP offices in Oli Central Division, climbing onto the rooftop of an unfinished building to speak to supporters.
He then proceeded with a large crowd along Rhino Camp Road toward Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa, again deviating from the approved route.
Police say despite the disruptions, the rally eventually proceeded at the designated venue, with no reported injuries.
SSP Angucia praised officers for exercising “a high level of professionalism and restraint” despite provocation, and urged political candidates and their supporters to respect established campaign routes and avoid acts of hooliganism.
The damaged police vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Vehicles, and more arrests are expected as CCTV review continues. Kyagulanyi’s earlier West Nile rallies in Pakwach, Madi-Okollo, Zombo and Nebbi were peaceful with no reports of violence.
The NUP leadership says the arrests are politically motivated and intended to intimidate their supporters.
Ever since presidential campaigns started on September 29, 2025, ahead of the 2026 General Election, Mr Kyagulanyi and his team have encountered several security blockades, with many of his supporters arrested on malicious damage and traffic-related offences or for staging a birthday parade as the NUP president marked his 43rd birthday on February 12, 2025.
Several NUP supporters are in prison on remand on different charges.
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