GULU, Uganda — Ugandan opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine has alleged that he and his supporters were violently attacked by security forces while campaigning in the northern city of Gulu, raising fresh concerns over political violence ahead of the country’s 2026 presidential election.
In a series of posts shared on social media platform X late Saturday, Wine claimed that armed personnel—some of whom were not in uniform—assaulted him, his aides, and his supporters. He also shared videos and photos showing chaotic scenes, disrupted crowds, and damaged equipment.
“Beaten by security forces, together with my campaigning aides and supporters,” Wine wrote. He added that the attackers vandalised the campaign’s sound system.
According to the posts, the alleged attack comes just days after Wine’s campaign office in Gulu was reportedly vandalised, an act he attributed to the military.
Several of Wine’s supporters were reportedly injured in the confrontations and rushed to hospital for treatment.
The incident marks a sharp escalation of political tensions as Uganda prepares for the presidential election scheduled for 15 January 2026.
This will be the second time Bobi Wine will challenge long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and is seeking a sixth term in office. Museveni, now 81 years old, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders and has frequently faced criticism from rights groups and opposition figures over governance and human rights concerns.
Ugandan authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest allegations.
Prime Africa News will continue to monitor developments as the election period approaches.
About The Author
