Police have opened an investigation into an incident involving its officers who were allegedly filmed tearing a campaign poster of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, in Mbale City.
A video circulating widely on social media shows four uniformed officers confronting two supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who were carrying a large poster bearing Kyagulanyi’s image.
In the footage, one officer is seen appearing to rip the poster, leading to a scuffle between the officers and the NUP supporters. The situation quickly escalates, with gunshots heard as police attempt to disperse the crowd.
In a statement released on Thursday, police acknowledged the existence of the footage and confirmed that the events are under investigation.
“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,” police said in the statement.
“These incidents reportedly took place on September 24, 2025, in Mbale City and the Central Business District of Kampala City. The footages show an altercation occurred between police officers and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), leading to the dispersal of the supporters. During this process, some campaign materials were damaged.”
According to police, after investigation, appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigations.
“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 incident has drawn sharp criticism online, particularly from the leadership of the National Unity Platform.
