Ugandan police used water cannons and tear gas on Thursday, November 27, to block the main opposition presidential candidate during a campaign stop in the central district.
Local reports said supporters of the National Unity Platform candidate Bobi Wine gathered along the roadside to welcome his arrival in Kayunga, about 75 kilometres northeast of Kampala.
Footage captured Wine speaking directly to the police from the top of a vehicle: “You, police officer, what you are doing is illegal. I am a presidential candidate and I am supposed to be talking to the people. Why do you shoot bullets at the audience?” he asked.
The January elections will choose the president, parliament, and local government leaders. The electoral commission has cleared long-time President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, to run again.
The NUP and Bobi Wine have drawn support across the country, describing the elections as a chance for major political change.
Wine, officially named Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, moved into politics after a successful music career, which helped him gain popularity among young voters.
