Over 1,000 UPC members and leaders on May 12 met at True Love Baptist Church in Apac town to make a decisive push for party unity ahead of a historic primary race between incumbent MP Patrick Ocan and challenger Maxwell Akora Ebong.
Months ago, MP Akora of Maurzi County announced an unprecedented constituency switch.
David Ojok Zulu, chairperson of the UPC in the Apac district, warned against potential clashes between opposing factions and expressed concern about individuals who support rival parties.
He emphasized the value of unity within the UPC.
Zulu emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization, favoring door-to-door campaigns over divisive rallies, and urged voters to choose a capable leader to advance the party’s agenda.
He stated that the UPC intends to field several candidates for parliamentary positions in the upcoming elections and urged party leaders to avoid using double standards, as some members have promoted UPC policies to other parties.
Zulu expressed disappointment with the “unity” between MP Ocan and Apac district woman MP Betty Engola (NRM), claiming the former did not follow party rules.
Tonny Ogwang, UPC chairperson for Apac Municipality, welcomed new leaders and urged them to uphold the party’s constitution, especially during the primary elections leading up to the general election.
Ogwang reiterated that the UPC constitution allows members to run in elections of their choice, as long as they go through the primary process.
He urged supporters of MP Maxwell Akora and Patrick Ocan to unite and avoid division. He stated that the party would support either Ocan or Akora as the flag bearer after the primaries.
During the meeting, MP Maxwell Akora contributed shs4.4 million, and incumbent MP Patrick Ocan contributed shs2 million.
Akora affirmed that the UPC party would remain resilient and strong in the APAC and throughout the Lango subregion. He also made it clear that Akena Jimmy would run in the upcoming general election.
“We will not tolerate sabotage. This election will prove UPC’s strength in Lango,” Zulu declared, taking aim at leaders allegedly undermining the party.
Maxwell Akora has mobilized over 500+ under “Team Akora” including LC3 chairpersons who are said to be secretly backing his bid.
“I fear no one—let ideas decide,” MP Ocan said.
Tony Ogwang stated that “our constitution allows healthy competition. Whether Akora or Ocan wins, we’ll rally behind the flagbearer.”
“UPC’s roots run deep in Apac. We’ll fight with development records, not fists,” said Akora.
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