Alebtong, (UG):- The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President, Jimmy Michael Akena, has condemned police actions in Alebtong District, accusing security forces of deliberately disrupting his party’s mobilization tour ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Akena’s tour aimed to strengthen UPC’s grassroots support, drawing a large turnout. However, a scheduled mobilization event at Alanyi Primary School on February 22, 2026, was disrupted when police diverted supporters, citing security concerns.
The interference, which included blocking meetings, redirecting gatherings, and firing tear gas, has raised concerns over political freedoms in Uganda.
Thousands of UPC supporters, who had travelled from nearby villages, were redirected to an alternative location. Despite the disruption, they sang, danced, and chanted UPC slogans while party officials negotiated with security. Ultimately, police directed UPC officials to hold their meeting at Abako Sub County headquarters.
Speaking to supporters at Alanyi ground, Akena condemned the police’s actions as political interference. As the MP for Lira City East Division, he asserted that UPC had followed due procedures and deserved the right to engage with the people.
“Such actions undermine democracy and the people’s right to be consulted. We strongly condemn this unfair treatment,” Akena said.
The UPC team had planned to engage with the local community, but as the meeting was about to commence, Alebtong police, led by SP Joshua Mwesigwa, the District Police Commander, intervened and stopped the gathering at Alanyi Primary School.
SP Mwesigwa has since defended the decision, stating that the organizers lacked necessary security clearance. “I am giving you five minutes to leave. The organizers did not meet the required conditions, and we cannot allow an illegal gathering that disrupts public order,” Mwesigwa stated.
Geoffrey Okiswa, the Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong, supported Mwesigwa’s decision, citing a lack of authorization.
However, Chris Ongom, UPC’s Lango sub-region Chairperson, argued that the party had properly notified authorities and followed all legal requirements. “We followed all the necessary procedures, but once again, we see police frustrating opposition political activities. This is unfair and undemocratic,” Ongom said.
Residents Speak Out
Benah Aciro, 80, a resident of Alanyi, expressed disappointment in the police’s actions, accusing them of failing to ensure peace and order. She emphasized the importance of political gatherings as platforms for engagement with leaders.
“We came to Alanyi expecting to participate in the consultation tour as planned, but the police blocked us and forced us to move to Abako. This was unfair and unnecessary. We have the right to assemble and express our views without intimidation,” Aciro said.
Silbino Ogong, 76, praised UPC’s long-standing commitment to unity and peace, dating back to the leadership of former president Dr. Milton Apollo Obote. He criticized the police for suppressing people’s rights instead of protecting them.
Akena Calls for Political Freedoms
Addressing supporters at Abako Sub County headquarters, Akena urged authorities to respect the rights of all political parties to operate freely. “We will not be deterred. The voice of the people must be heard, and we will keep pushing forward,” Akena declared.
He added, “This gathering is a testament to the power of the people. No amount of barriers can stop us from mobilizing and engaging with our supporters.”
Akena later led a delegation to Apala Town Council in Alebtong to honor the late UPC member Erinasito Onyilo Tongokemo, who died in 1976.
Accompanied by senior party officials and local leaders, he emphasized the importance of remembering those who dedicated their lives to the party’s cause. He also laid a wreath at Abia Technical Institute in memory of the 139 people killed by Kony rebels in 2004.
During the tour, Akena officially opened two party offices in Alebtong Town Council and Akura Sub-county to serve as coordination centres for party activities, mobilization, and recruitment.
Speaking at Alira Primary School, the former Presidential contestant reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening UPC structures nationwide ahead of the 2026 elections, urging unity among party members. He stressed the need to build strong grassroots structures to enhance community engagement and advance the UPC agenda.
Akena reiterated his dedication to repositioning UPC as a key political force in Uganda, encouraging members to register under the party for coordinated efforts in the upcoming elections.
UPC has conducted similar mobilization efforts in various districts within and beyond the Lango sub-region.
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