ARUA, 20 November 2025 – Police in Arua have arrested 32 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) on charges of malicious damage after four police vehicles were reportedly damaged by stone-throwing crowds following a campaign rally for presidential candidate Hon. Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
According to police, the arrests were made following an analysis of CCTV footage, and the suspects are currently detained at Arua Central Police Station (CPS) pending further investigation.
Campaign Day Events
According to a statement released on Thursday, Mr. Kyagulanyi’s campaign tour began at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County but he was unable to address the rally there. He then made appearances at Ovisoni Trading Centre and the Giligili area before moving toward Ediofe Mission and Onduparaka Trading Centre, where he waived at supporters.
Police noted that the candidate later deviated from the agreed-upon route when he attempted to access the City Centre directly from Onduparaka Trading Centre.
After being blocked, Mr. Kyagulanyi reportedly made a U-turn but instead of following the agreed route, he allegedly boarded a motorcycle (boda boda), covered his face with a helmet, and used a numberless bike to travel through the City Centre to the NUP offices in Oli Central Division. He then addressed supporters from the rooftop of an unfinished building.
The statement adds that Mr. Kyagulanyi proceeded to the campaign venue at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa, via Rhino Camp Road, followed by a “large and rowdy crowd.”
Damage to Police Property
It was during this movement that police report their vehicles were damaged by stones. The police statement specified that four vehicles were targeted, each resulting in a separate case of malicious damage filed at Arua CPS:
- UP M/V 03271 (Damaged at 16:59 hours)
- UP M/V 03346 (Damaged at 17:34 hours)
- UP M/V 00173 (Damaged at 17:35 hours)
- UP M/V 7697
The damaged vehicles are scheduled for inspection by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles.
Ongoing Investigation
Police confirmed that the 32 suspects were identified through CCTV analysis. Efforts to locate other suspects involved in the damage are ongoing, and all necessary documentation, including scene of crime reports, has been completed.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the campaign concluded successfully,” the police statement concluded.
Authorities urged all political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behaviour that could lead to accidents, injuries, or disruption of other lawful activities.
Would you like me to find out if there have been any official statements from the NUP regarding these arrests?
