Why Maruzi MP Akora is challenging ‘partymate’ MP Ocan in Apac municipality

Maxwell Akora, Maruzi County Member of Parliament (MP), has announced that he intends to move his political seat from Maruzi County to Apac Municipality, beginning in 2026.

His intention is a direct challenge against incumbent MP Patrick Ocan. Both MPs are members of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

Akora accuses Ocan of failing to advance the party’s agenda during his tenure, causing internal disagreements within the party.

Speaking at his home in Apac Municipality, Akora expressed his dissatisfaction with Ocan’s leadership, stating that the party has gained nothing from him since he (MP Ocan) assumed office in 2018.

“Since Apac was granted municipality status in 2018, UPC supported Ocan in securing the parliamentary seat, and that spirit continued in the 2021 elections. However, the party has gained nothing from his leadership,” Akora lamented.

Akora further accused Ocan of aligning himself with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), citing his close working relationship with Apac Woman MP Betty Engola and other NRM leaders.

“Why would you leave UPC candidates and campaign for NRM? Look at our performance in 2018 when he got the flag for the last elections in 2021. Most of our mayoral and Local Government councillors in the Municipality failed to make it,” he added.

According to Akora, the situation would have gotten worse if he had not stepped in at the last minute to assist them.

“Hon. Ocan was secretly supporting NRM candidates. Everyone knows that within the Party. Why has the NRM not fielded any candidates to compete against him. They want to destroy UPC in the grassroots. For that matter, I will challenge my brother Ocan in the primaries,” Akora declared.

Akora explained that his decision to run in Apac Municipality is consistent with the interests of UPC leaders who believe Ocan no longer serves the party’s agenda.

“Apac Municipality is my former constituency, and I’m ready to take it over in the forthcoming 2026 elections,” he asserted.

The MP’s confidence stems from his belief that his victory would help UPC regain control of Apac Municipality, where the party has seen dwindling support in recent years.

Akora’s move has already garnered support from some residents, including Molly Atim, 50, a resident of Akere Division in Apac Municipality.

“I thank MP Akora for thinking twice and realizing the need to push UPC forward in Apac Municipality. For over 10 years, Apac hasn’t developed like other towns. Our MP does not work with the Party structures. Even the Party office within the Municipality has been closed. Akora has come at the right time to rescue UPC,” Atim said.

He said both professional achievements and personal tragedy have marked his political career. Born on August 31, 1965, Akora is a professional accountant who has held various roles, including internal auditor, financial accountant, and financial controller for the UK National Health Service.

He also served as the first Director of Finance and Administration of the Uganda Wildlife Authority from 1999 to 2004, the first Director of Finance of the National Forestry Authority and first Financial Management Advisor to the Justice, Law and Order Sector under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

In 2013, Akora faced a personal tragedy when his brother, Denis Ebong, was murdered in their home village. His mother was also clobbered to death in 2018 by a deranged granddaughter. Despite this, Akora has remained committed to serving his constituents and advancing the UPC’s agenda.

While this political seat shift can be seen as a problem with internal problems in the party, some say it’s normal. Akora becomes the second UPC MP, after Betty Amongi (Oyam South), to express interest in another constituency.

Chris Ongom, the UPC Regional Vice Chairperson, did not respond to a phone call at 2:42 p.m., and MP Patrick Ocan also ignored the same for comments at 2:46 p.m.

As the 2026 elections approach, the battle for Apac Municipality promises to be heated, with Akora positioning himself as the candidate capable of revitalizing the UPC’s presence in the region.

It is unclear whether Ocan will defend his seat or step down, but one thing is certain: the UPC’s internal dynamics will play an important role in shaping the political landscape of Apac Municipality in the coming years.