Ugandan police accuse NUP supporters of attacking officers at Bobi Wine rally
Police condemned the violence and warned that anyone involved in such acts would face strict action.
Police on Monday accused supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of throwing stones at security officers during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities in Kawempe North and South, leaving several officers injured and damaging multiple police vehicles.
The Uganda Police Force said in a statement issued late Monday evening that the incidents took place at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule and later at Bwaise Roundabout, where crowds had gathered to escort Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to his rallies in the area.
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According to authorities, seven security officers sustained serious injuries after being hit with stones. Several vehicles, including an ambulance, were also damaged by what police described as “rowdy crowds.”
“Security officers were attacked with stones, an act of violence that was repeated at Bwaise Roundabout and the campaign venue,” the police statement read in part.
Police said they had previously met with NUP organisers and the Electoral Commission to agree on campaign routes and venues. Authorities claim these arrangements were ignored when processions formed near the NUP offices in Kalerwe, prompting intervention by security personnel.
Teargas was fired at multiple points to disperse crowds before and after the rally. Military personnel were also stationed around the NUP offices to prevent what security agencies called “unauthorised processions”.
Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged attacks. “Security personnel responded by using public order measures to control the rowdy crowds. Seven suspects have been arrested,” the statement added.
Police condemned the violence and warned that anyone involved in such acts would face strict action.
“We strongly condemn the hooliganism displayed today and stress that such behaviour is unacceptable. It will be met with firm action,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Kyagulanyi accused security officers of intimidating his supporters, alleging that heavy deployments and confrontations were intended to disrupt his campaign. Despite the clashes, his rallies in Kawempe South attracted large crowds.
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