Police Block UPC Mobilisation Tour at Alanyi Primary School

Alebtong – A scheduled mobilisation tour by the Uganda People’s Congress party (UPC) at Alanyi Primary School in Alebtong District was disrupted on Saturday 22 February, 2026 after police diverted party members and supporters, citing security concerns.

The UPC team, led by UPC party president, Jimmy James Micheal Akena, had planned to engage with the local community as part of their ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the upcoming political season in 2026. 

However, police officers intervened, preventing the gathering from taking place at the designated venue.

Heavily armed police officers arrived at the school grounds early in the day, there by diverting party members and supporters to Abako Sub county headquarters. 

Hundreds of thousands of supporters who had traveled from neighboring villages were redirected to the alternative location, singing, dancing and chanting UPC melodies under the scorching sun.

Earlier, Alebtong district Police Commander, SP. Joshua Mwesigwa defended their action, stating that the organisers had not obtained the necessary security clearance for the event. 

“Am giving you five minutes to leave. The organisers did not meet the required conditions, and we can not allow an illegal gathering that disrupt public order,” he said.

Similarly, Geoffrey Okiswa, the Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong district cited that security concerns and the lack of proper authorization as reasons for halting the event.

However, UPC officials condemned the police’s actions, terming them as an attempt to suppress opposition activities.

Chris Ongom, UPC Chairperson 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 TND News 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 disappointed on 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 and the trail dates back in the reign of their forefathers under the stewardship of former president Dr. 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 disrupted 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 slogns gathered listen to their long awaited son of the soil. 

Addressing the fearless crowd, UPC Party President, Jimmy James Michael 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 noted that UPC party followed all the necessary procedures required though the still stopped them from engaging with the people of Alanyi. 

"Such actions undermine democracy and the people's right to be consulted. We strongly condemn this unfair treatment", Akena emphasized.

This 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 leader vowed to continue with their mobilisation efforts and calling upon the electorate the get their names in black and white into the party's register as the country gears up for her general election in 2026.

Meanwhile to the authorities, Akena challenged them 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.

UPC party has held similar drives in the different districts of Lango including other districts outside Lango subregion.

As Uganda prepares for the next electoral cycle, the restriction of opposition events remains a contentious issue, with calls for greater political tolerance and adherence to democratic principles.