Lira City’s NRM chairperson and Woman Member of Parliament, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and her executive have suspended the wearing of the party’s yellow t-shirts by supporters until January 16, 2026.
The decision follows a surge in election-related violence and alleged acts of impersonation aimed at tarnishing the party’s name.
Dr Aceng, who also serves as the Minister of Health, strongly condemned the actions of criminal elements who are reportedly using pangas to attack voters in Lira City ahead of the polls. She expressed deep concern over the unprecedented levels of violence in the current election cycle.
Addressing journalists on Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. Lira Hotel, Dr Aceng detailed an incident from the previous night. At around midnight on January 11, unknown assailants stormed the Angwetangwet area in Lira City East Division, specifically targeting NRM supporters.
Eight victims are currently receiving treatment at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
The Minister accused her political opponents of being involved in orchestrating the heightened violence. She further alleged that these opponents are engaged in voter bribery through the distribution of kitenge materials and body creams, which she claims is influencing voters illegally.
Consequently, Dr Aceng issued a strong warning with immediate effect, urging all NRM supporters who recently received the party’s yellow t-shirts to refrain from wearing them for safety reasons until the night of January 16, 2026.
She stated that individuals from other parties are donning NRM attire to commit negative acts and discredit the NRM. Supporters are to resume wearing the party colours within at least 24 hours.
In response to the allegations, Police PRO for North Kyoga, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema stated that the situation in Lira City East Division is currently calm. He confirmed that one case of alleged voter bribery is under investigation.
SP Okema detailed that police are investigating reports of distributed materials, including kitenge and hoes, in the Adidikgweno, Boke Ward area. A security team, including Crime Intelligence officers, was deployed to the scene.
The Divisional Police Commander (DPC) led a team to the area, apprehending some individuals in possession of the alleged exhibits.
Police recovered five kitenge items bearing the colours and the name of UPC candidate Amongi Betty Akena. Amongi is the Oyam South MP, who left her constituency more than 11 months ago – to do Lira City politics.
The recovery of these materials nearly sparked a clash between supporters of rival candidates.
SP Okema confirmed that investigations into both the violence and the bribery allegations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided by the police.
Discover more from tndNews, Uganda
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.