Bobi Wine is the National Unity Platform presidential candidate
Security operatives in Mbarara have intercepted National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, and his supporters, commonly known as foot soldiers, on their way to Bwizibwera Town Council for his second campaign rally in the city after addressing his first rally at Mbarara High School playground.
An unspecified number of his NUP foot soldiers have been arrested, with some violent scenes witnessed as security operatives executed their mission.
“We have been ambushed on our way to the next rally. The criminal regime’s security operatives are breaking into vehicles of my campaign team and picking up my colleagues. They have switched off the internet to hide their criminality!” Mr Kyagulanyi posted on X.
Police said the operation targeted Mr Kyagulanyi’s supporters with criminal records, including alleged assault of officers, destruction of government property, and obstruction of officers on duty.
“The police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding all candidates but will not tolerate criminality or disorder. Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable. All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, maintain peace throughout the campaign period, and follow campaign guidelines as issued by all regulatory stakeholders,” reads a statement on the police X platform.
Mr Kyagulanyi’s camp has been a target of security operations since the presidential campaigns started on September 29, 2025, ahead of the January 15, 2026, general election. The musician-turned-politician and six other candidates are seeking to unseat President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Mr Museveni, 81, plans to extend his grip on power beyond four decades.
Other contenders include Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), Elton John Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP), and former army chief Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).