Gulu— Tension gripped Gulu City on Saturday after the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, was blocked from accessing the city with his convoy, triggering violent confrontations, injuries, and widespread disruption of business ahead of his scheduled campaign rally.
The chaos began early in the day when unknown assailants vandalised the stage at the venue where Mr Kyagulanyi was expected to address supporters. Witnesses said the attackers destroyed sound equipment and damaged several cars parked near the site.
“It was total confusion. They came with sticks and bottles, smashing whatever they found,” said a youth mobiliser at the rally site, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Security blocks Kyagulanyi’s convoy
By midday, heavily armed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and police intercepted Mr Kyagulanyi’s convoy at the Bank of Uganda branch junction along Airfield Road. Security personnel ordered the group to turn back, leading to a scuffle as the NUP candidate and his team attempted to proceed on foot.
Mr Kyagulanyi’s close aide and renowned music producer, Daniel Oyirwoth Brenny, commonly known as Sir Dan Magic, was struck on the head during the confrontation and left bleeding profusely.
“One of the thugs hit me with a stick on the face. Dan Magic was hit on the head. Several comrades are hospitalised,” Mr Kyagulanyi later wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “All this because Museveni is dead scared of the people.”
Faced with a full blockade, the presidential candidate abandoned his convoy and walked approximately 5km into Gulu City, accompanied by supporters who chanted his name along the roadside. Most shops in the commercial centre remained closed as security personnel patrolled the streets.
Supporters attacked by hired gangs
Earlier in the day, at least five NUP supporters were reportedly injured when street gangs armed with bottles and machetes stormed the campaign venue. The gangs, believed to have been hired to disrupt the rally, destroyed property and attempted to chase Kyagulanyi’s supporters away.
“They vandalised our stage and sound system and stole the amplifier and laptop,” Mr Kyagulanyi posted. “The driver for one of our vehicles was beaten so badly—it is not clear if he will survive.”
He accused security agencies of allowing, and in some cases encouraging, the violence. “As the police and military looked on—and in fact encouraged this criminality. This is what Museveni has turned Uganda into!” he wrote.
Bobi Wine defiant
Despite the violent clashes, Mr Kyagulanyi eventually addressed a crowd in Gulu City, thanking those who braved what he described as “state intimidation.”
“Despite the regime’s brutality, the PEOPLE OF GULU resisted the criminals and received us with great joy!” he wrote. “The people of Uganda will have the last laugh.”
In another post, he added: “I am very grateful to the people of GULU CITY for turning up to listen to the message of FREEDOM. RDCs have spent this whole week intimidating people, lying to them that our visit was postponed.”
He called on the international community to take note of the events, saying: “The world must not look on as Museveni continues to get away with crimes against humanity. A time must come when ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”
Heavy deployment in Adjumani
Meanwhile, in Adjumani District—Mr Kyagulanyi’s next stop—security forces mounted a heavy deployment in anticipation of his arrival. Police and UPDF trucks were stationed at major intersections, with officers patrolling the town throughout the day.
Despite the tense atmosphere, hundreds of supporters lined the streets as Bobi Wine entered Adjumani, cheering and waving NUP banners. He later addressed a rally at Cesia Primary School playground, where he received a warm welcome.
“Entering Adjumani district for our campaign trail,” he wrote. “The atmosphere is electric. Looks like a brighter day awaits.”
Electoral Commission schedule
Mr Kyagulanyi’s rally in Gulu was part of his official campaign programme ahead of the 2026 General Election, as approved by the Electoral Commission. His team insists that despite the challenges, the candidate will continue with his countrywide tour.
“Our message of freedom will reach every corner of Uganda,” an NUP official said. “No amount of intimidation will stop this movement.”
As night fell over Gulu City, security remained on high alert, with residents expressing fear that the tensions could escalate further as campaigns intensified.
“For now, we just want peace,” said a shopkeeper who closed early after hearing gunshots. “But with what we saw today, the road to 2026 looks very rough.”
