41 arrested over assault during Bobi Wine campaigns in Gulu

________________

Police have arrested 41 suspects in connection with the assault and looting that occurred in Gulu city during National Unity Platform (NUP) campaigns on December 6, 2025.

The incidents happened when NUP presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu aka Bobi Wine, was campaigning in the city.

Several crimes, including physical assaults and the looting of people’s property, were reported in the city centre.

According to Aswa West Police region spokesperson David Mudong Ongom, the arrests followed a co-ordinated, intelligence-led operation conducted on the night of December 18, 2025.

“Through the use of our CCTV monitoring footage and other intelligence networks, we carried out a well-co-ordinated operation in Gulu city and its suburbs, which led to the arrest of 41 suspects,” Ongom said.

The ringleaders among the suspects arrested

Among those arrested is Fatuma Aleng, who the Police allege played a key role in mobilising criminal gangs through various social media platforms, including TikTok.

“Preliminary findings indicate that one of the suspects, Aleng, allegedly led the mobilisation of these criminal groups using different media platforms,” Ongom stated.

He added that all the suspects are currently detained at Gulu Central Police Station as investigations continue.

Police say the operation is ongoing and more suspects linked to the violence and looting are likely to be arrested.

Ongom urged the public in the Acholi sub-region to remain calm, assuring them that police are committed to ensuring justice.

“As earlier promised, those found culpable will be summoned or arrested. We assure the public that all those responsible will be brought to book so that justice prevails,” he said.

Public outburst following the fracas

The December 6 violence sparked public concern, with calls for accountability and improved security during political campaigns in the region.

Bardege–Layibi Division Member of Parliament Martin Ojara Mapenduzi condemned the chaotic scenes, describing the violence as “wrong, dangerous, and uncalled for,” adding that such incidents taint the political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 general elections.

He also acknowledged accusations from some NUP supporters who claimed he orchestrated the chaos by allegedly collaborating with criminal gangs to assault people during the fracas.

Mapenduzi dismissed the allegations, stating that on the day of the incident, he was engaged with a boda-boda group in Bardege–Layibi, a group he says he regularly supports outside of political interests.

Religious leaders speak about the violence

Meanwhile, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ALPI), appealed for forgiveness from those responsible for the December 6, 2025, campaign violence in Gulu City.

The members of the initiative also firmly condemned the recent political unrest and urged all key stakeholders, including security forces, youth, and the media, to safeguard peace and promote national unity.

Sheikh Mbadi Faraj, from the Muslim faith, delivered a paramount message of love, emphasising that God favours his people when they live in peace and harmony.

He specifically condemned the violence that occurred during the campaign visit of presidential aspirant Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi in Gulu City.

ALPI chairperson Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu Archdiocese John Baptist Odama urged security forces to remain strictly impartial, stressing that they must “treat people equally without taking sides.”

Odama expressed deep shame over the violence witnessed on December 6.

Calling such acts “shameful,” he insisted that they must not be repeated before, during, or after the electoral period.