📷 Kakumiro chaos: Police say NUP supporters damaged patrol vehicle during standoff

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The Uganda Police Force has accused supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of damaging a police vehicle during Monday’s campaign standoff in Kakumiro District.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, the Police said the incident occurred when Kyagulanyi, who was being guided by traffic officers along an agreed campaign route, allegedly diverted from the planned path.

“Candidate Kyagulanyi was scheduled to proceed to a playground in Kisiita town council for his first campaign rally. However, he insisted on deviating from the agreed route and demanded passage through Kakumiro Town Council,” the Police said.

The Force noted that when officers attempted to redirect Kyagulanyi’s convoy to the agreed route, his supporters became unruly. “During the confrontation, some individuals within the crowd damaged the windscreen of a police vehicle, registration number UP 7694,” the statement read.

According to Police, the situation escalated after Kyagulanyi stopped at Kakeeka Playground in Kakumiro Town Council instead of continuing to Kisiita. Officers reportedly blocked his convoy to prevent further disruption, prompting a standoff that caused tension at the scene.

Eyewitnesses said the clash was triggered when a police patrol vehicle blocked Kyagulanyi’s convoy near Kakeeka Grounds as a police helicopter was taxiing nearby. The standoff resulted in brief skirmishes, during which pepper spray was reportedly used before calm was restored.

Police later allowed the crowd to access Kakeeka Grounds “to de-escalate the situation,” noting that officers managed to secure the area and protect the helicopter stationed there.

The development comes after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reportedly told voters in the region to stay indoors and not attend rallies organised by NUP, noting that the group is deceptive and disruptive.

After addressing supporters at Kakeeka, Kyagulanyi proceeded to Kisiita, outside Kakumiro town, where he held another rally before heading to Kikuube district.

In its statement, the Police urged Kyagulanyi and his campaign team to respect agreed campaign routes to avoid further confrontations.

“We urge candidate Kyagulanyi and his supporters to adhere to the positions agreed upon with his organising teams,” the Force said. “While our officers remain committed to professionalism, they continue to face increasing confrontation and provocation. That will not be tolerated.”

Kyagulanyi, who continues his week-long campaign tour of the Bunyoro region on Wednesday, has pledged to ensure that communities in oil-producing areas receive a fair share of oil revenues, address land conflicts, establish a public university in the region, and improve rural infrastructure.

After campaigning in Kibaale and Kagadi on Monday, Kyagulanyi toured Kakumiro and Kikuube on Tuesday and is expected to continue to Hoima on Wednesday.