Lira, Uganda | A fresh dispute has emerged within the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) over the party’s decision to discipline senior members who supported President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 General Election.
Former UPC Lango Regional Vice Chairperson Chris Ongom has defended his decision and that of other party leaders to support President Museveni, saying the move was intended to secure government attention and development for Lango after decades outside government.
Ongom said UPC failed to field a presidential candidate in the 2026 elections because of a court case and what he described as a leadership vacuum within the party. He said party elders subsequently invoked members’ constitutional right to participate in elections and unanimously resolved to support Mr Museveni.
Ongom argued that the disciplinary action against him and other leaders was linked to UPC’s unresolved leadership crisis rather than their decision to support President Museveni. He said the term of the previous UPC leadership expired on August 1, 2025, but the party had not completed the required district and delegates’ conferences to establish a new legitimate leadership.
He maintained that the party’s current crisis is primarily a leadership and governance issue and urged the UPC secretariat to organise internal elections, address gaps in the party constitution, and reconcile members ahead of the 2031 elections.
Ongom also appealed to President Museveni to ensure that Lango and UPC supporters benefit from government development programmes on an equal basis with NRM supporters.
Former Kwania District LCV chairperson Alex Ogwal Adyebo said their response to the disciplinary proceedings was based on the position that the UPC executive committee’s term had expired on August 1, 2025.
Adyebo cited an Electoral Commission letter dated September 22, 2025, and argued that UPC did not have a valid presidential candidate for the 2026–2031 electoral cycle. He said their decision to support President Museveni followed a commitment made by Progressive UPC/FDC members from Lango on November 14, 2025, which he said was intended to promote unity, peace and development.
Former Lira District LCV chairperson and UPC elder Alex Oremo Alot called for reconciliation, urging party members to put aside divisions arising from the 2026 elections.
Oremo said the elections were over, and members should accept the outcome and work together. He defended UPC members who supported President Museveni, arguing that the party had no presidential candidate and members were therefore free to choose whom to support.
He urged the UPC leadership to embrace peace, unity, and reconciliation to rebuild the party and promote development in Lango.
The dispute follows disciplinary proceedings initiated by the UPC National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Peter Paul Okello, against several senior party members.
Those summoned include Denis Adim Enap, Adyebo, former Apac District Woman MP flag bearer Susan Achola, Ongom, former Kwania District UPC chairperson George Ewal, Jack Kabusu, Aisha Natukunda Nawume, Emmanuel Magero Were and Josephine Babirye. The members face allegations ranging from unauthorised use and reproduction of party stamps, seals, and letterheads to allegedly falsely claiming the UPC presidency.
The committee has also accused some of them of working with external political actors, including the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), and campaigning for candidates considered rivals to the party, contrary to UPC rules. The proceedings started on September 1 at Garden Inn Hotel in Lira City before moving to the UPC headquarters at Uganda House in Kampala.
Enap did not attend the initial hearing in Lira. The disciplinary committee, however, said it would proceed using available witness testimonies and scheduled further sittings. Those found guilty could face sanctions, including dismissal from the party.
On Thursday, September 3, the group held a brief press conference at the Lira City Mayor’s Garden, where they thanked President Museveni for commitments towards development in the region. They cited fulfilled promises to construct Akili Bua Stadium and undertake cattle restocking programmes in Lango, Acholi, and Teso.
However, they also reminded the president of outstanding pledges, including the proposed Lango Sub-region Airport, Anai-Arapot Road, Dokolo–Amolatar Road, Aboke–Iceme–Bobi Road and the Lango Cultural Centre.