Bobi Wine condemns police brutality as the opposition leader urges accountability after security forces allegedly used excessive force to disperse supporters.
Mukono, Uganda — 26 November 2025
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has condemned what he described as “excessive and unacceptable police brutality” following a chaotic confrontation between security forces and his supporters during a rally in Mukono on Monday. The incident has renewed concerns about the political climate in Uganda as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.
The rally, which attracted hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, had been underway for nearly an hour before police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Bobi Wine condemns the use of such aggressive tactics. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of pandemonium as people fled in all directions, many choking on tear gas while others sought shelter in nearby shops and homes.
“We came to Mukono with a message of hope, not violence,” Bobi Wine said while addressing journalists after the confrontation.
“This brutality is a deliberate attempt to intimidate Ugandans who are yearning for change.”
Local leaders described the crowd as peaceful and cooperative before the police intervention. Residents, many of whom had waited hours for the event, expressed anger and sadness at the sudden escalation.
“We were just listening. No one was causing trouble,” said Sarah Nakimera, a resident who attended the rally.
“Why tear gas peaceful people?”
The Uganda Police Force had not issued an official statement by press time. However, in past incidents involving opposition gatherings, authorities have often defended such actions by citing public order concerns, traffic disruptions, or failure to follow guidelines for political assemblies. Mukono district officials argue that the latest intervention was unnecessary and only heightened tensions, sparking further condemnation by local leaders.
Human rights advocates have since weighed in, calling for impartial investigations into the use of force. Organizations monitoring political freedom in Uganda warn that repeated confrontations between security agencies and opposition actors pose a serious threat to democratic participation.
Bobi Wine insisted that the state’s conduct would not deter his movement from mobilizing across the country. He reiterated his commitment to peaceful engagement despite what he views as systemic attempts to suppress political competition. The reiteration comes after Bobi Wine condemns the repeated police actions.
“Our struggle is nonviolent, but that does not mean we shall surrender,” he said.
“Ugandans deserve a country where their voices are respected, not silenced.”
The NUP leadership has formally requested an independent inquiry into the incident, insisting that those responsible for the violence be held accountable. The party also encouraged supporters to remain calm but vigilant as the political season intensifies.
Political analysts note that the Mukono incident is part of a growing pattern of friction between security forces and opposition groups, raising questions about whether political players will be allowed equal opportunity to mobilize.
As Uganda moves closer to election season, events like the one in Mukono are likely to shape public debate over governance, rights, and the future of the country’s democratic space. For many residents who witnessed Monday’s clashes firsthand, the incident remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing political expression.
Despite the chaos, supporters say they remain determined to continue backing the NUP leader. The rally may have ended abruptly, but for many in Mukono, the message Bobi Wine delivered—before the tear gas cloud rolled in—still echoes loudly: “Change begins with the courage to speak out.” This message underscores why Bobi Wine condemns forms of police brutality so vehemently.
