Uganda Police Deny Plot to Arrest Opposition Candidate Ahead of Polls
KAMPALA — Uganda’s political tension escalated on Friday after National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, alleged a security plot to arrest him and provoke violence before polling day. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has since issued a categorical denial, calling the claims “unfounded and provocative.”
In a social media post, Bobi Wine stated he had learned from “security circles” of a regime plan to detain him pre-emptively, likening it to the events of November 2020 when widespread arrests and violence followed his detention. He accused authorities of planning to stage confrontations—potentially involving a police officer named Bravo in the Mbale area—and to deploy agents disguised in NUP colors to portray his supporters as violent.
“That way, they will be able to carry out massive arrests and abductions and get justification to deploy the military in every spot,” he wrote, urging followers to remain “peaceful and non-violent BUT VERY ASSERTIVE.” The post was widely shared, amassing thousands of engagements.
In an official response, the UPF dismissed the allegations. “The Uganda Police Force categorically dismisses allegations of a scheme to detain candidate Kyagulanyi Sentamu or engineer incidents before election day,” the statement read.
The police emphasized that they have provided security for the NUP candidate throughout the campaign and are working to ensure peaceful elections. “Our effort is geared to facilitate tranquil elections and call on every political actor to promote non-violence,” the statement added.
Authorities also underscored that any arrests made are conducted “strictly in line with legal guidelines,” with detainees processed in compliance with the law.
The exchange highlights the heightened distrust and anxiety ahead of the elections, with opposition figures repeatedly raising concerns over state-sponsored intimidation and violence. International observers and human rights groups have previously documented allegations of abductions, brutal crackdowns, and restrictions on opposition campaigning.
As the election date approaches, the deepening rift between the government and the opposition continues to fuel fears of further instability.
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