MWE Correspondent
Uganda’s opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has strongly criticized security forces over their use of water to disperse civilians at Kalerwe Market in Kampala, an incident that has sparked renewed concern about civil liberties and the protection of small traders’ livelihoods.
The incident reportedly took place on the evening of December 15, 2025, as Bobi Wine’s convoy was passing through the busy Kalerwe area. Witnesses say residents and traders who had gathered along the roadside to wave and cheer were suddenly dispersed when security officers sprayed water into the market. As a result, goods belonging to small-scale traders were damaged, causing losses to vendors who depend on daily sales to survive.
Reacting through a message shared on social media, Bobi Wine questioned the justification for the use of force, insisting that the people targeted were neither violent nor disruptive. He said the civilians were simply standing by the roadside expressing support, an act he described as peaceful and within their rights. He also expressed deep concern for traders whose merchandise was destroyed, noting that many of them were innocent bystanders with no involvement in political activity.
According to the opposition leader, the incident reflects a troubling trend in Uganda where ordinary expressions of political support are increasingly met with heavy-handed responses. He argued that such actions not only undermine public trust in security institutions but also worsen the economic hardships faced by informal traders in urban markets.
Bobi Wine questioned what offense the civilians had committed to warrant such treatment, asking why traders who were simply trying to earn a living should suffer losses as a result of security operations. He described the situation as unfair and avoidable, adding that the destruction of goods showed little regard for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
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He further warned that incidents of this nature point to a broader challenge facing the country, where political tension often spills into public spaces, affecting people with no direct involvement in politics. Calling on Ugandans to remain resilient, Bobi Wine urged citizens to continue demanding their rights and freedoms, expressing confidence that the country would one day enjoy greater openness and accountability.
As of now, security agencies have not issued an official statement explaining why water was used to disperse civilians at the market, nor have they clarified whether compensation will be provided to traders who suffered losses. The silence from authorities has fueled public debate and criticism, particularly among civil society voices and users on social media platforms.
Kalerwe Market is one of Kampala’s busiest commercial centers, hosting hundreds of small traders who operate on very slim margins. Any disruption, even for a short period, can have serious financial consequences. Observers note that security operations conducted in such densely populated trading areas require careful planning to avoid harming livelihoods.
The incident has also reignited discussion around civil liberties, especially the right to peaceful assembly and expression. Many citizens have taken to social media to question whether public order measures are being applied proportionately, or whether they are increasingly being used to discourage political expression.
As debate continues, the events at Kalerwe Market have become a symbol of wider concerns about policing, governance and democratic space in Uganda. For affected traders and residents, the immediate hope is that their losses will be addressed and that similar incidents will be avoided in the future, as the country continues to navigate a politically sensitive period marked by calls for reform and respect for citizens’ rights.
