In a dramatic turn of events on November 19, 2025, over 2 million National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters gathered in Arua City for a rally to support the party’s presidential candidate, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. However, what was intended to be a peaceful political demonstration took a tense and violent turn as clashes between the police and Bobi Wine’s supporters led to the arrest of 53 individuals. The arrests followed an altercation that saw several police vehicles damaged by stone-throwing protesters.
The chaos began when Bobi Wine, against the previously agreed-upon route, attempted to access Arua’s central business district, bypassing the designated security checkpoints. According to a statement from Josephine Angucia, the Police Spokesperson for the West Nile Region, the situation escalated when Kyagulanyi was stopped by security personnel. The presidential hopeful, refusing to comply with the security arrangements, jumped onto a boda boda (motorcycle taxi), covered his face with a helmet, and made his way through the city center on a numberless motorcycle, evading the authorities.
His supporters, already in high spirits, followed him closely, hoping for a glimpse of the politician. The tension reached its peak as Bobi Wine arrived at the NUP offices in Oli Central Division, where he climbed onto the roof of an unfinished building to address his followers. While his speech rallied the crowd, it was clear that the situation had spiraled out of control.
Earlier in the day, Bobi Wine’s campaign had begun in the Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, where he was scheduled to address supporters. However, his efforts were cut short as he failed to hold a rally at the location, moving instead to Ovisoni Trading Centre in the same sub-county. From there, he continued his campaign, waving at people as he made his way through various parts of the city, including Giligili in Ayivu West and Ediofe Mission. The crowds grew larger, their excitement building as the convoy moved towards the city center.
But as the convoy neared Onduparaka Trading Centre, a critical issue arose. The route Kyagulanyi intended to take through the city center had not been agreed upon in prior discussions with the authorities. Despite this, Bobi Wine persisted in trying to enter the central business district directly. Security forces blocked him, and he was forced to make a U-turn. It was at this point that he opted to travel through the city on a boda boda, bypassing security barriers.
As Bobi Wine and his supporters continued to navigate through the city, the frustration among the crowd grew. A confrontation ensued between the police and the NUP supporters, during which some individuals threw stones at police vehicles, causing considerable damage. CCTV footage collected by the police revealed the full extent of the damage to the vehicles, which included multiple police cars being pelted with rocks. Four vehicles were targeted, and damage to the vehicles has been documented under separate police case references.
Following the incident, 32 individuals were detained at Arua Central Police Station, with authorities pledging to continue investigating the matter. Police are analyzing the CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the damage and are working to track down additional suspects. While no injuries were reported from the incident, the arrests and chaos have cast a shadow over the rally, raising questions about the safety of future political gatherings.
Despite the tension, the rally itself was seen as a success for Bobi Wine. His supporters remained undeterred, marching with determination toward Inzikuru Stadium in Barifa for the final rally of the day. Despite the violence, Bobi Wine’s campaign continues to gain momentum, with his supporters expressing confidence that their voices will be heard in the upcoming 2026 elections.
In a statement to the public, Police urged all political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, emphasizing that the use of violence or disruption of public order would not be tolerated. “We continue to urge political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behavior that could lead to accidents, injuries, or disruption of other lawful activities,” Angucia said.
While Bobi Wine has yet to publicly respond to the arrests or the confrontation with the police, his continued defiance of the security forces is likely to fuel further debates around his political strategy and the conduct of his supporters. The arrest of dozens of NUP supporters only adds to the growing tension in the lead-up to Uganda’s general elections, scheduled for January 2026.
As the dust settles, the question remains whether the events in Arua will have lasting repercussions for Bobi Wine’s campaign. With two million supporters marching in the streets, it’s clear that the NUP leader has a formidable base of support. However, with the escalating violence and clashes with authorities, the challenge now will be to maintain momentum while ensuring the safety and well-being of his followers.
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