(Abim) – National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine visited Abim District in Uganda’s Karamoja region, sharing his “revolutionary message” with locals despite alleged police intimidation. Crowds gathered to greet him, with many supporters reportedly enduring harassment and arrests.
Wine shared on social media that around 50 boda-boda riders, who were mobilizing to join his reception, were detained, and their motorcycles seized. Police officers reportedly claimed they were enforcing traffic rules, specifically targeting riders without helmets. Wine criticized these actions as a “lack of shame,” accusing authorities of using regulations to stifle support for his movement.
Despite these arrests, supporters in Karamoja defied the police presence and showed up to listen to his message. Wine highlighted Karamoja’s paradox of resource wealth and widespread poverty, emphasizing that, in his view, the region’s issues stem from “an exploitative regime.” He told residents that Karamoja, although one of the most resource-rich areas in Uganda, continues to suffer from high poverty rates, a disparity he attributes to the current government’s policies.
The event is part of Wine’s larger NUP Nation Wide Tour, which aims to connect with people across Uganda and rally support for his movement. The campaign has been met with a mixture of support and police interventions, as authorities claim to enforce laws while Wine’s supporters argue that these actions are politically motivated.
| Key Event Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Abim District, Karamoja, Uganda |
| Key Leader | Bobi Wine, National Unity Platform |
| Arrests | 50 boda-boda riders, motorcycles confiscated |
| Police Action | Enforcement of helmet regulations |
| Wine’s Message | Karamoja’s wealth-poverty contrast under current regime |
| Tour Hashtag | #NUPNationWideTour |
This visit is part of a continuing effort by Wine and NUP to engage communities throughout Uganda, bringing attention to regional issues and gathering local perspectives. The political opposition leader said he aims to maintain momentum with similar visits to highlight issues of poverty and resource exploitation, especially in areas like Karamoja that are often overlooked.
