Uganda will prioritize trade with DRC if I’m elected president, Bobi Wine tells Arua residents
Bobi Wine while addressing his rally at Barifa Forest playground in Arua City on Wednesday
ARUA: The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, has assured residents of Arua City that Uganda will pursue robust trade relations with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) if he is elected president in the upcoming elections.
Addressing thousands of supporters who gathered at Barifa Forest playground on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Kyagulanyi promised that, under his leadership, cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC would be free, secure, and free from intimidation or extortion.
“Arua is strategically located near the border with the DRC, a position that should translate into massive economic opportunities through cross-border trade,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the current administration, Kyagulanyi accused President Yoweri Museveni of preferring conflict over trade with the neighbouring country.
“Museveni doesn’t understand this opportunity; he chooses war over trade. When you elect me as president, we will not be at war with Congo — we will be in business. You will trade freely. No one will extort you, kill you, or torture you simply for doing business with our neighbours,” he pledged, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The NUP leader also vowed to end the harassment of communities living near lakes and rivers by the military.
“Many of you who live near the water bodies know the pain of being chased away from lakes and rivers by the army. In the new Uganda, that will be history,” he assured.
On political prisoners, Kyagulanyi promised immediate action upon taking office, naming several high-profile detainees he intends to release.
“I had a brother here in Arua, Akbar Godi, the former Arua Municipality MP, who was arrested on trumped-up political charges. He will be freed the moment I become president,” he declared.
He specifically mentioned veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, Eddie Mutwe and Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro among others as among the first to be released.
“In the new Uganda, civilians will no longer be tried in military courts. The president will no longer act like a king, he will be a servant of the people,” Kyagulanyi said to thunderous applause.
The rally in Arua is part of Kyagulanyi’s nationwide campaign ahead of the January 15, 2026 general elections.