Losers of UPC primaries told not to run as independents in Apac

Apac | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) leaders in Apac district have passed serious resolutions.

One resolution, which appears to be contentious, prohibits party primary losers from running as independents in the general elections of 2026.

The resolutions were reached at a consultative meeting in Apac municipality on Monday, March 31, 2025.

It was decided that MP Patrick Ocan “must respect party leadership,” and leaders who attended the meeting accused him of undermining party structures and failing to attend despite being invited.

Another resolution was that “no restrictions on Maxwell Akora’s candidacy”. The local party leaders clarified that nothing in the UPC constitution prevents Akora as current MP Maruzi County or any aspirant, from contesting in Apac municipality.

The meeting further resolved that any UPC candidate who loses in primaries must not defect or run as an independent, aiming to prevent vote-splitting.

David Ojok Zulu, UPC chairperson for Apac district, emphasized party discipline, urging members to rally behind the official flag bearers after primaries.

“UPC is still strong in Apac, and we are confident of winning many parliamentary seats in 2026. But we must avoid internal sabotage,” Ojok said.

Eng. Nelson Okello Lemba, MP for Murazi North, backed the resolutions, stressing the need for unity within the party.

MP Maxwell Akora, who plans to shift from Maruzi county to Apac municipality, dismissed claims that he had been blocked from contesting.

“Those spreading falsehoods that I’ve been stopped from running in the Municipality are lying. I have made my decision to contest in Apac Municipality,” Akora stated.

In recent weeks, party members have criticized MP Patrick Ocan for allegedly disregarding UPC leadership and supporting rival NRM candidates in past elections.

“In the last elections, Ocan openly campaigned for NRM candidates, leading to UPC’s defeat in local races, including Achola Susan Engola’s bid for Apac Woman MP,” a party official revealed.

When contacted for comment, MP Ocan’s phone was switched off.

Nearly 200 people attended the meeting, which included UPC leaders from all three constituencies in the Apac district, 12 sub-counties, and district leadership.