UPC elections in some parts of Oyam District end with mixed reactions amid party conflict.

13 June 2025, 10:49 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Electoral Commission recently announced that elections for village, parish, sub-county, district chairpersons, and the party president in the Lango sub-region would take place on Thursday.

While the party electoral commission confirmed that voting had commenced smoothly across Lango districts, there were delays in the arrival of election materials in some areas.

However, in Oyam Town Council, the election was postponed due to irregularities in the voters’ register. By 10 AM, party supporters had gathered at the UPC office, demanding answers about the delay, as elections were proceeding elsewhere.

Tensions rose as party members engaged with the leadership, but discussions failed to resolve the issue, leading to heightened emotions among some supporters.

In Acut Parish, Ngai Sub-County, tensions also emerged in 5 out of twelve villages due to discrepancies in the voter register. Moses Okot, who was appointed by party officials, faced challenges as another register was introduced by an aspirant contesting for the position of UPC chairperson for Ngai and Acut Parish.

This situation led to heightened tensions, with two factions of UPC supporters clashing over the legitimacy of the voter register. Okot expressed concerns about his safety amid the ongoing disputes.

In Aramita Parish, Florence Alum, the parish supervisor, stated that their election proceeded freely and fairly. She expressed optimism about the upcoming Uganda presidential election, suggesting that Akena is likely to win the UPC party elections with overwhelming support.

In Iceme Town Council, Tonny Olang, the chairperson, described the election as successful and peaceful.

Kagwa David, the UPC chairperson for Iceme Sub-County, who worked on behalf of the registrar, stated that UPC is well-organized and poised to lead Uganda. He confirmed that their election was conducted smoothly.

Speaking to our reporter, the community of Acut, including the elected chairperson for Akuk Village, criticized the election process. They described it as unlawful, citing interference by some aspirants who introduced their own registrar, which were not recognized by party members.

Chrispus Ayena Odongo, a member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) in Oyam District, expressed concern over the discrepancies in the voter register in Oyam Town Council.

He questioned how the register ended up being split into two separate lists, raising doubts about the accuracy and transparency of the electoral process.

In response to the irregularities in Oyam Town Council, UPC Secretary General Fred Ebil announced the postponement of the election until further notice.

Jack Khabusi, the UPC Deputy Electoral Commission, stated that the delay would allow time for voter register verification, ensuring a fair and transparent election at a later date.