Alebtong | On Saturday, February 22, 2025, a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) mobilization tour at Alanyi Primary School in Alebtong district was halted after police diverted party members and supporters to another location.
The police cited security concerns for their actions.
The UPC team, led by party president Jimmy James Micheal Akena, intended to engage with the local community as part of their ongoing grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of 2026.
However, police officers on the ground intervened, preventing the gathering from occurring at the designated location.
Police officers, heavily armed, arrived at the school grounds early in the day. They began diverting party members and supporters to the Abako sub-county headquarters.
Thousands of supporters who had traveled from nearby villages were redirected to the alternate location. They continued to sing, dance, and chant UPC melodies despite the scorching heat.
Earlier, Alebtong district Police Commander SP Joshua Mwesigwa defended their actions, claiming that the organisers did not obtain the necessary security clearance for the event.
“I am giving you five minutes to leave. The organisers did not meet the required conditions, and we can not allow an illegal gathering that disrupts public order,” he said.
Similarly, Geoffrey Okiswa, the Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong district, cited security concerns and a lack of proper authorization as reasons for calling off the event.
UPC officials condemned the police’s actions, describing them as an attempt to suppress opposition activity.
Chris Ongom, UPC chairperson for Lango sub-region expressed disappointment, arguing that the party had duly informed authorities about the event and adhered to all legal requirements.
“We followed all the necessary procedures, but once again, we see the police frustrating opposition political activities. This is unfair and undemocratic,” he remarked.
Some local residents who spoke to tndNews expressed frustration over the disruption, noting that such political gatherings provide a platform for engagement with leaders on critical issues affecting their communities.
Benah Aciro 80, a resident of Alanyi expressed disappointment at police action, noting that police failed to ensure peace, law and order.
“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 being intimidated,” said Aciro.
Another resident identified as Silbino Ogong, 76 described UPC party as a party that embraces unity and peace. He referred to times when their forefathers were led by former president Dr. Apollo Milton Obote.
“The way the police handled us was disappointing. They should be ensuring our security, not suppressing our rights. Moving us to Abako however did not disrupt our plans to attend engagement”, he added.
Seemingly ready to face the election momentum that is slowly building up, the magnitude of supporters waved, danced and sang the UPC songs while chanting the party slogans as they gathered to listen to their long awaited son of the soil.
Addressing the fearless crowd, Akena described the act by the Uganda Police as a clear sign of political interference.
According to Akena, who is also the area Member of Parliament for Lira City East Division, the UPC party followed all the necessary procedures required.
“Such actions undermine democracy and the people’s right to be consulted. We strongly condemn this unfair treatment,” Akena emphasized.
The Saturday incident adds to a growing list of opposition events facing police interference, raising concerns about political freedoms in Uganda.
Human rights groups have often criticized the selective enforcement of laws restricting opposition activities, arguing that such actions undermine democracy and free political participation.
Despite the setback, UPC party leaders vowed to continue with their mobilisation efforts and calling upon the electorate to get their names in black and white into the party’s register as the country gears up for her general election in 2026.
Meanwhile, Akena challenged police to respect the rights of all political parties to ensure that they operate freely.
“We will not be deterred. The voice of the people must be heard, and we will keep pushing forward,” Akena echoed.
On Sunday, the UPC will hold a rally in Otuke, with one of its major stops in Okere City.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.