The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has once again come under scrutiny for defying campaign guidelines and agreed security routes, after a standoff with police in Kakumiro District on October 21, 2025.
According to a statement from the Uganda Police Force, Kyagulanyi arrived at Nalweyo Town Council at around 11:00am for his first rally of the day, escorted by traffic police under an agreed campaign route plan. However, he later diverted from the designated route and demanded to pass through Kakumiro Town Council, contrary to what had been cleared by the Electoral Commission and security teams.
“Candidate Kyagulanyi was scheduled to proceed to a playground in Kisiita Town Council for his first campaign rally. However, he insisted on deviating from the agreed route and demanded passage through Kakumiro Town Council,” the police statement reads in part.
Despite repeated reminders by police to adhere to the plan, Kyagulanyi and his driver reportedly ignored instructions and drove on the pavement, forcing officers to exercise restraint to avoid escalation.
Standoff and Chaotic Scenes
The situation worsened when Kyagulanyi diverted to Kakeeka Playground instead of the agreed venue in Kisiita Town Council. The sudden change of venue triggered confusion among supporters and resulted in a standoff with security personnel.
“Some individuals within the crowd confronted the vehicle’s driver, damaging the front windscreen of police vehicle registration number UP 7694,” police revealed.
Police said that in a bid to de-escalate tensions, they temporarily allowed the crowd to access Kakeeka grounds and later secured the area, including a police helicopter that was on standby for surveillance. Officers eventually managed to contain the situation without incident or injuries.
Massive Convoys and Public Safety Concerns
Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over Kyagulanyi’s campaign style — characterized by large, unruly convoys of supporters, some of whom block roads and disrupt traffic flow. Eyewitnesses in Kakumiro described long lines of vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians accompanying the NUP leader, creating chaotic scenes that put both motorists and pedestrians at risk.
“He moves with huge convoys that often block highways and make it difficult for even ambulances and other motorists to pass,” said a local official in Kakumiro who witnessed the incident.
The police have emphasized that such behaviour endangers lives and undermines the campaign guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission, which require all candidates to coordinate routes, crowd control, and venues with law enforcement in advance.
Police Call for Order
In the aftermath of the Kakumiro standoff, police urged the NUP candidate and his team to comply with the agreed plans moving forward.
“We urge candidate Kyagulanyi and his supporters to adhere to the positions agreed upon with his organizing teams. While our officers remain committed to professionalism, they continue to face increasing confrontation and provocation. That will not be tolerated,” the police statement concluded.
After addressing the crowd at Kakeeka, Kyagulanyi later proceeded to Kisiita and ended his campaign day in Kikuube District.
