Police in the North Kyoga region have issued a stern warning against a planned riot allegedly organized by UPC supporters after the Electoral Commission disqualified the party from fielding a presidential candidate. EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said Jimmy Akena’s nomination was illegal, citing court rulings and breaches of the UPC constitution.
By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira City, 29th September 2025 — Police in the North Kyoga region have issued a stern warning against a planned riot allegedly being organized by some supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) following reports that their party president, Jimmy Michael James Akena, will not appear on the presidential ballot for the upcoming elections.
According to intelligence reports, the riots are scheduled to begin in Lira City before spreading to other districts within the Lango Sub-region. The supporters are reportedly planning to gather at Akena’s residence in Senior Quarters, Lira City.
In a statement issued by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, police said they have not received any formal communication notifying them of any planned demonstration as required by law. He described the plan as illegal and warned that anyone found participating in such activities would face the full force of the law.
“The North Kyoga region is generally peaceful, and anyone who wishes to disrupt the peace will be dealt with according to the law,” SP Okema stated.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and law-abiding, urging residents to report any suspicious activities or individuals involved in mobilizing for the planned riot to the nearest police station.
“All our territorial commands have been guided to act accordingly,” he added.
EC Bars UPC from Fielding Presidential Candidate
The warning follows a recent decision by the Electoral Commission (EC), which disqualified UPC from fielding a presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections.
In a statement reported by The Observer on 23rd September 2025, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced that neither Jimmy Akena nor Denis Enap Adim qualifies to run as the party’s flag bearer.
“Neither Akena nor Adim qualifies to run as the party’s candidate,” Byabakama said, citing High Court Miscellaneous Cause No. 148 of 2025, which ruled that Akena had already served the maximum two terms allowed under the UPC constitution.
The EC also faulted a virtual delegates’ conference that extended Akena’s term despite a court order, which violated Articles 25(2) and (3) of the party’s constitution.
“UPC must respect its constitution and court rulings,” Byabakama added, noting that Akena’s nomination was illegal, while Adim’s failed to meet Article 13(5) requirements.
As a result, the EC confirmed that UPC will not have a presidential candidate on the 2026 ballot.
UPC Responds
When contacted for a comment, a UPC official in Lira City, who preferred anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, denied knowledge of any planned riot.
“As a party, we are not organizing or supporting any illegal activity. We believe in following the law and peaceful means to express our dissatisfaction. If there are concerns about the electoral process, they will be handled through proper legal channels,” the official said.
The official appealed to supporters to remain calm as the party leadership continues to engage with relevant authorities.
“We ask our members to stay peaceful and wait for official communication from the party headquarters,” he added.
Police Reassure Public of Peace
The North Kyoga Regional Police have assured the public that security agencies are on high alert and will respond swiftly to any attempts to disrupt peace.
Authorities have urged political actors to follow lawful procedures in airing their grievances and to respect public order regulations ahead of the election period.
“We therefore appeal to all law-abiding citizens to be cautious by respecting the rule of law and reporting to the nearest police station any person with such intentions for arrest and prosecution,” SP Okema emphasized.
Recent Comments