Breaking: Police disperse UPC supporters with teargas in Alebtong

Amolatar |On Saturday afternoon, tensions rose at Alira Primary School as Uganda Police fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) President Jimmy James Michael Akena.

Supporters had gathered in large numbers.

The incident, which unfolded amid heightened political activity dubbed “UPC mobilisation tour,” saw security forces move in to quell what they termed as an “unlawful assembly.”

The UPC had embarked on a mobilisation tour at Alira Primary School, Akura sub-county, Alebtong district, as part of their efforts to engage with the community and strengthen their support base in the sub-region ahead of the 2026 general elections.

When supporters arrived around 2:00pm, they were met with resistance from Alebtong Residence District Commissioner Geoffrey Okiswa and District Police Commissioner SP Joshua Mwesigwa, who cited security concerns and a lack of proper authorization as reasons for calling the event off.

UPC members contended that they had followed all necessary procedures to obtain permission for the assembly and saw the authorities’ intervention as a deliberate attempt to suppress their political activity.

The situation quickly escalated into a heated exchange, attracting the attention of local residents and raising concerns about the district’s political processes.

The Alebtong incident appears to highlight the ongoing challenges confronting opposition parties in Uganda, where political space is frequently restricted and mobilization efforts are frequently hampered by local authorities.

The UPC has requested an investigation into the situation, urging the government to ensure that all political parties have equal opportunities to engage with the electorate without undue interference.

As Uganda’s political climate evolves, incidents like those at Alira Primary School highlight the need for a more inclusive and democratic environment that allows for free political expression and participation from all parties.

People described chaotic scenes in which they scrambled for safety, with many choking on tear gas. Supporters had gathered on the school grounds to show their support for Akena, a prominent political figure, but police intervened, citing security concerns.

Several individuals, including pupils, women and youths, were caught in the melee. Police officers justified their actions, stating that the gathering lacked proper authorization.

However, Akena’s supporters denounced the move as an infringement on their right to peaceful assembly.

As the dust settles, there are still questions about the impact of such crackdowns on democratic participation ahead of the upcoming political events.