Police Arrest 10 NUP Supporters Over Attack on Officers in Lira

The Uganda Police Force has announced a renewed crackdown on rising incidents of campaign-related violence, warning that it will not tolerate continued acts of provocation, aggression, and hooliganism against security personnel during the ongoing presidential campaigns.

ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, told the media on Wednesday that while the campaign trail for presidential candidates has largely been peaceful, a section of supporters has developed a troubling pattern of confronting officers, damaging property, and causing public disorder.

“We shall not issue blanket condemnations because many campaign participants have remained peaceful and respectful. However, we will decisively act against conflict entrepreneurs who have chosen to confront police officers and turn aggression into a habit,” police stated.

The most recent incident occurred on October 28, 2025, at around 1:00 pm, when police officers trailing the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, were allegedly attacked by a group of his supporters while travelling from Lira City to Alebtong District.

At Obot A Village, near Obot Primary School, the group reportedly stopped and vandalised police vehicle UBK 380Q, puncturing its tyres with sharp metal objects, confiscating the key sensor, and stealing two 20-litre jerricans of diesel, a laptop, and personal items belonging to one of the officers.

According to Kituuma, assailants claimed the police vehicle carried a jammer that was disrupting their online livestreams, an allegation police dismissed as fabricated to incite violence. A case of malicious damage and robbery has since been registered, and ten suspects were arrested.

The arrested individuals have been identified as: Ssembusi Precious Paul, Bukenya Ismail, Lokoro Liberty, Nakabuye Mastura, Waiswa Raston, Nasozi Hope, Saliman Kagwa, Kamulegeya Regan, Katamba Stephen, and Lubega Alison. They are currently detained at Lira City Central Police Station pending guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Police also impounded a green Toyota Hiace drone (UA 933AU) and are working to recover the stolen property and identify other suspects.

The police spokesperson also cited several earlier incidents of violence targeting officers on duty during NUP campaign events:

• Mayuge District (October 3, 2025): A police officer covering a campaign rally was assaulted by alleged kanyamas (bouncers). He sustained serious injuries and lost his phone. A case of assault was registered under Mayuge CRB 797/2025.
• Kyankwanzi District (October 8, 2025): During a rally at Bikoma Primary School, a detective constable was attacked by a group of supporters. One individual punched an officer during the rescue attempt but fled into the crowd. A case of assault was opened.
• Kisiita Town Council (October 21, 2025): Kyagulanyi reportedly deviated from the pre-agreed campaign route, leading to the damage of police pickup UP 7694 and the vandalism of another vehicle’s windscreen during a standoff with supporters.
• Busia District: An officer was assaulted, and a case was filed at Busia Central Police Station under CRB 1038/2025.

The police reiterated their commitment to providing security to all presidential candidates and ensuring the campaigns proceed peacefully. However, Kituuma cautioned that deviations from agreed venues, rallies held along roadsides or trading centres, and acts of violence against officers will not be tolerated.

“We urge all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, adhere to the law, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period,” he said.

However, Kyagulanyi claims that the regime wants to frustrate his campaign by targeting his security team.

“The invasion was a barbaric act and replicates the usual script of sowing seeds of fear within us. This has been the criminal regime pattern at every election cycle. They intend to isolate me and take away my security team. We have been informed that comrade Tower is one of their targets even before we left Kampala. Seven of the fifteen comrades arrested last night have been released as of this morning,” said Kyagulanyi.

According to the NUP Party Presidential candidate, he spoke to the Commissioner of Police, Afande Nkore, who explained that the raid was in search of police gadgets.

“They allege that our comrade Tower stole a laptop and a network jammer from them. We are yet to establish if this is true, but as far as we know, we are law-abiding citizens. I raised concerns of comrade Dan Magic, whose statement was not recorded at every police station he has been to. This is absolute impunity,” he added.