Teargas, blockades mar Kyagulanyi’s Arua rallies

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s rallies in Arua city on Wednesday were marked by heavy police and military deployment, with security personnel firing teargas and live bullets to disperse crowds.

Kyagulanyi, who is campaigning in the West Nile sub-region ahead of next year’s general elections, accused the police of repeated disruptions aimed at preventing his supporters from reaching the rally venue in Arua city.

Kyagulanyi interacting with a police officer. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

The chaos started shortly after his convoy entered the city, where large groups of enthusiastic supporters had lined the streets. As the crowds grew, security teams fired teargas and several live rounds into the air, forcing people to flee.

Kyagulanyi welcomed by his supporters as his convoy marched through the streets. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi, who had spent the night in Nebbi town, arrived in Arua at about 11.30 am after travelling more than 80 kilometres. However, he found the Odia–Nyadri Road, which leads directly into the city, blocked by police restrictions.

At Vurra, two armoured vehicles had sealed off the road, diverting his motorcade onto a murram route. After about an hour, they encountered another blockade at the Onduparaka roundabout.

Visibly angered by the situation, Kyagulanyi stepped out of his vehicle following a brief confrontation with the police and continued on foot.

His team and the supporters behind him also struggled to proceed as police attempted to stop them from passing through the blockade.

During the scuffle, officers fired several rounds into the air, causing supporters to scatter and provoking anger among some individuals. Several journalists, including Bukedde Television’s David Tamale, were injured in the chaos. Tamale also lost his phone and other valuables.

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Despite the confrontations, police later allowed Kyagulanyi to proceed. He held processions in Arua and addressed supporters at Barifa grounds, where he criticised the use of force and accused authorities of allowing other presidential candidates easier access while obstructing him.

While addressing the gathering, the NUP leader repeated his appeal to voters to take an interest in politics, saying it shapes their aspirations and well-being. He argued that if politics were managed properly, hospitals would have medicine and teachers would receive better pay.

“Don’t take for granted what is happening in our country because, unlike our senior citizens, we are going to be here a lot longer. Uganda is rich, but Ugandans are poor,” he said, urging young people in particular to be actively involved in national affairs.

“When you don’t vote, it is our oppressors who benefit. But when you turn up to vote, it is game over for them.”

He also pledged to abolish military courts, saying that if elected, no civilian would be tried before a military tribunal.