Kyagulanyi thanks police for maintaining peace during campaigns

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has expressed gratitude to the Uganda Police Force for ensuring calm and order during his ongoing presidential campaign activities.

Speaking to journalists ahead of his campaigns in Kole and Kwania districts on October 25, 2025, Kyagulanyi — popularly known as Bobi Wine — said he was pleased that police officers had largely conducted themselves professionally, allowing his supporters to gather peacefully.

“Police has not mistreated our people,” Kyagulanyi said. “Except for the unfortunate incident where three of our supporters were knocked by police cars, the rest of the campaign has been smooth. We expected worse and prepared for worse, but we are very glad that did not come to pass. We thank God for that and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide us.”

Kyagulanyi’s remarks signal a rare moment of appreciation for security forces, with whom his political movement has often had strained relations. 

In previous campaign cycles in 2021, his rallies were routinely disrupted by security personnel citing violations of public order or COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in injuries, arrests, and accusations of brutality.

Observers say his acknowledgement of police restraint this time could help ease tensions between the opposition and law enforcement ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The NUP leader on October 24, 2025, started on his tour to northern Uganda kicking off with Apac on Friday, appealing to voters to embrace reconciliation. 

Kyagulanyi said the days of division are over and promised to promote unity, love, reconciliation, and national progress if elected President.

“When you elect NUP to power, the days of disunity will be over, and we shall usher in a generation of national progress,” he said, urging Ugandans to learn to appreciate one another.

“All of us — from Busoga to West Nile, from the East to the Central region — should be united by our common challenges,” he added.

He identified some of these challenges as poor roads, corruption, and the deteriorating standards of education, among others. Citing education as an example, Kyagulanyi alleged that in Lango, the older generation is now more educated than the youth.

Earlier on Friday, Kyagulanyi had also paid his respects at the resting place of former president Dr Apollo Milton Obote in Akokoro and was received by Obote’s son, Jimmy Akena.

The NUP leader blamed the decline in education standards on poor governance. He said deliberate efforts would be made to reverse the trend and restore quality education across the country.

He further pledged to implement a programme that ensures equitable distribution of jobs. “In the new Uganda, we will be equal regardless of tribe,” he said, adding that promotions in all sectors, including the army, would be based on merit rather than connections or regional origin.