Police says they have opened an investigation into an incident in which officers were filmed tearing a giant campaign poster of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, in Mbale City.
A video circulating on social media shows an apparent police officers in plain clothes tear down a giant poster before being confronted by two NUP supporters.
In the footage, one officer appears to rip the poster and when confronted, the one who defaced the poster is seen stepping back before pulling out a pistol and taking aim.
The clip further shows police firing shots as the altercation escalated.
In a statement released on Thursday, police confirmed they had noted the videos.
“The Uganda Police Force has taken note of two videos circulating on social media showing police officers allegedly tearing a candidate’s poster during operations,” the statement read in part.
“These incidents reportedly took place on September 24, 2025, in Mbale City and the Central Business District of Kampala. The footage shows an altercation between police officers and supporters of the NUP, leading to the dispersal of the supporters. During this process, some campaign materials were damaged,” it added.
Police said an inquiry was underway: “The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation into these allegations, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.”
The video has drawn sharp criticism online, particularly from NUP. Party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi accused police of double standards, noting that the poster had been created by party coordinators and taken to NUP’s Mbale office.
“Uganda Police, we’ve seen NRM supporters with huge posters of their candidate in different cities and towns. Is it a crime if the poster is for the NUP candidate?” Ssenyonyi asked.
Bobi Wine said a similar incident was filmed in Nateete, whose video clip he shared on his X account showing officers in khaki uniforms deface a giant campaign poster.
The development comes just hours after the Electoral Commission completed the nomination of presidential candidates for the 2026 elections, confirming eight contenders for the country’s top office.
