Uganda’s Campaign Trail in Turmoil as Tear Gas Rocks Bobi Wine Rally. Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s volatile political climate reached new heights on January 9, 2026, as police fired tear gas to disperse supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, during a campaign procession in Kira Division.
The incident occurred as Wine traveled towards Mukono District, highlighting the escalating tension between security forces and opposition supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to local reports, Wine’s convoy was intercepted after a large crowd gathered along the route to welcome him, chanting slogans and waving NUP flags. Police moved in swiftly, deploying tear gas to scatter supporters and break up the procession, disrupting what aides described as a peaceful mobilization effort.
The incident has reignited accusations that Uganda’s security agencies are using excessive force to curtail opposition activities.
Critics argue that the repeated clampdowns reflect a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent and limiting the opposition’s ability to campaign freely. This is not an isolated occurrence.
Throughout his campaign trail, the NUP leader has faced frequent disruptions, including arrests of party officials, reported injuries among supporters, and, in some cases, fatalities linked to confrontations with security forces.
Each incident has deepened public anxiety over the shrinking space for political expression.
In Mukono, supporters had assembled in large numbers ahead of Wine’s arrival, creating a charged atmosphere of anticipation before police intervened. Human rights organizations swiftly condemned the use of force, accusing the government of employing heavy-handed tactics to suppress opposition voices rather than facilitating peaceful political engagement.
Despite the setbacks, Wine has remained defiant, vowing to continue his campaign unabated.
He insists he will not be intimidated, reiterating his call for democratic reforms and respect for civil liberties.
As Uganda’s election season gathers momentum, tensions remain high.
With opposition rallies increasingly met by force, fears are growing that political violence and unrest could escalate in the months ahead, placing the country’s democratic credentials under intense scrutiny. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
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Source: 2026 elections: Violence rocks Bobi Wine Kayunga campaign rally — [monitor.
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*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
