Gulu: Bobi Wine defies agreed route, chaos erupts during NUP campaign rally

The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, drew both excitement and tension in Gulu City on Saturday after defying a pre-agreed campaign route—twice—leading to scuffles, road obstruction, and brief security incidents along the main street.

Bobi Wine arrived in Gulu City on the afternoon of December 6, 2025, entering through the Gulu–Kitgum road via Unyama.

Security authorities say that upon reaching the Bank of Uganda junction, he abandoned the approved route and instead proceeded on foot through the main street, a symbolic and politically charged move common in his campaign style.

Police officers attempted to persuade him to revert to the agreed route, according to the Aswa West Regional Police command.

“He defied the agreed route,” the police statement notes, describing a scuffle that ensued as security personnel tried to guide the candidate back to the planned path.

Despite the friction, Bobi Wine made his way to Bar Awere Grounds, where he addressed an estimated 300 supporters between 4:47 pm and 5:43 pm.

Tensions re-emerged shortly after the rally when Bobi Wine again opted to use the main street as he departed for Kampala. His movement sparked excitement among supporters, drawing crowds into the middle of the road and disrupting traffic flow.

Police report that the commotion created an opening for unknown individuals to exploit the chaos, allegedly stealing from shops along the street. The statement, however, does not detail the extent of the thefts or whether arrests were made.

Security personnel intervened and eventually quelled the situation, restoring order in the city.

Police accuse candidate of non-compliance; supporters say route control is political

While the police say their attempts to enforce the pre-agreed campaign route were meant to ensure safety and order, NUP supporters often argue that restrictive route agreements are used to curtail the candidate’s visibility and momentum during campaigns.

Saturday’s confrontation fits into a broader pattern seen in previous electoral cycles where opposition candidates frequently clash with security forces over movement and assembly rights.

The events in Gulu highlight the delicate balance between campaign freedoms and security controls as Uganda edges closer to the 2025/2026 general elections.

The brief chaos marked by scuffles, road blockages, and opportunistic crime serves as a reminder of the volatility that can arise when political enthusiasm collides with heavy security oversight.

Police say no major injuries were reported and that they will continue engaging campaign teams to ensure compliance and public safety in upcoming rallies.

Ongom David Mudong, the Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson, signed the statement and urged political actors to respect agreed security protocols to prevent similar incidents.