Oyam, Uganda | The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has resumed its grassroots elections in Oyam Town Council following a temporary suspension caused by internal disagreements between party members and officials from the national secretariat.
The elections, part of a wider restructuring exercise across the Lango sub-region, were initially launched on 12 June 2025 in all nine districts.
However, voting in Oyam was halted on the first day after disputes emerged over the party register and the eligibility of voters.
Nelson Adea Akar, the UPC Chairperson for Oyam District, confirmed the resumption of the elections, saying the process would start with the formation of village committees in 35 villages across Oyam Town Council.
He explained that seven representatives would be selected from each village to proceed to the parish-level election stage.
He further outlined that at the parish level, twelve representatives would be elected per parish, after which the election of the town council leadership would take place at 12:00 PM at Oyam Boma Ground.
He added that only registered UPC members would be permitted to vote and urged non-members to stay away from the polling centres.
To address the earlier disruptions, the UPC party president deployed the Vice President and Deputy Secretary General to supervise and support the electoral process in Lango. According to Chris Ongom, the UPC Regional Vice Chairperson, their intervention would begin in Oyam, followed by visits to Alito Subcounty and Alito Town Council in Kole District. They are expected to proceed to Apac District on Tuesday.
Ongom indicated that the mission of the deployed officials was to restore order and ensure transparency during the elections. He appealed to all UPC members to participate peacefully and avoid any confusion similar to that which marred the initial attempt on 12 June.
Previously, the elections had been suspended after complaints were raised about inconsistencies in the party register, resulting in confusion and heated disputes.
However, party officials said they were now better prepared and organized to oversee a smooth process.
UPC supporters expressed optimism regarding the resumed elections. Many voters voiced their resolve to elect credible and visionary leaders, aiming to consolidate the party’s influence in the region.
They also shared a collective hope of rallying behind UPC President Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote in his 2026 State House bid.
One UPC member, Molly Akoli of Oyam Town Council, said the party was now better organized and ready to conduct free and fair elections peacefully.
The elections are scheduled to continue today and tomorrow in the following locations: Oyam Town Council – branch-level elections at Oyam Boma Ground, Alito Subcounty and Alito Town Council, Barkalo Parish and Akalo Subcounty, Akalo Town Council, Aumi Parish, Angic Parish, Western Ward B, Bala Town Council, Eastern Ward A, Bala Town Council, One additional location in Apac District.
Party leaders have reiterated the importance of the elections in rebuilding UPC’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Security has been heightened at polling centres to ensure a peaceful and orderly process.
