The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed accusations that its soldiers participated in an alleged night raid on the National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Gulu City, following claims by the party’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, on Thursday posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that “regime operatives” had broken into the party’s Gulu office, vandalised property, interfered with records, and made off with campaign materials and other items.
He linked the incident to what he described as increased attempts to obstruct his campaign activities ahead of his rally scheduled for Saturday, December 6, in Gulu City.
Samuel Okot, the NUP chairperson for the Acholi Sub-region, told Uganda Radio Network that the break-in occurred at about 2 a.m. on Thursday. He said witnesses reported seeing intruders escorted by individuals believed to be UPDF soldiers positioned along the two streets adjacent to the office.
“It was a disastrous morning,” Okot said. “I was called at around 2 a.m. and informed that a group of people was trying to enter our office. What surprised me was the report that these people were guarded by the army. Soldiers were seen on both streets where our office is located.”
Okot added that the attackers operated uninterrupted and left with all office property, including documents, furniture, equipment, and campaign materials. He described the incident as “well-planned to break us down.”
However, the UPDF has rejected any link to the raid. Capt. David Kamya, the Fourth Infantry Division Public Information Officer, said there was no deployment associated with the alleged incident. “The UPDF does not engage in unlawful activities, and any claims linking our soldiers to this alleged raid are incorrect,” Capt. Kamya said in an interview on Friday.
Police have also indicated that no formal complaint has been filed. Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong said the force had not received any official report regarding the alleged break-in.
The accusations come at a time when the army has increased its presence across Gulu City in the lead-up to Kyagulanyi’s campaign rally. For the past week, residents have reported frequent patrols by UPDF soldiers armed with guns and sticks in several parts of the city, but Capt. Kamya said the deployment is routine and not directed at any political actor.
“During the election season and the festive period, security agencies enhance visibility to maintain peace. You will see military and police patrols, but these are aimed at ensuring public order and deterring violence, not intimidation,” he said, noting that the overlap of the holiday season and the election period requires heightened vigilance.
Kyagulanyi, who is making his second bid for the presidency, launched his campaign in the Acholi sub-region on Thursday, beginning in Opit Town Council in Omoro District. He campaigned in Anaka Town Council in Nwoya District on Friday and is expected to proceed to Amuru District before heading to Gulu City for Saturday’s rally.
