UPC SUPPORTERS TEARGASSED IN ALEBTONG

Police Disrupts UPC’s Mobilization Rally A Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) rally in Alebtong District turned chaotic when police fired tear gas to disperse the gathering. Despite the disruption, UPC party president Jimmy Akena continued his mobilization efforts, condemning police actions. Ambience UPC supporters had gathered at Alira Primary School before police intervened, declaring the rally illegal. Alebtong Resident District Commissioner Geoffrey Okiswa and District Police Commander SP Joshua Mwesigwa ordered the shutdown, sparking outrage among attendees preparing for the 2026 elections. POPs Speaking in Abako Sub-County, Akena criticized the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for failing to address poverty, accusing them of recycling UPC-era economic policies. Bite… Despite police interference, Akena reaffirmed his political ambitions, dismissing rumors that he won’t run in 2026 as "lies." He also warned that the government might attempt to frame him as an instigator of violence. Bite… UPC aspirant for Moroto County, Leo Elem, saw the warm reception in Alebtong as a sign of growing party support. Bite… Elderly residents, like 75-year-old Serino Obong, welcomed UPC’s return, calling it a sign of unity and hope. Akena paid tribute to late UPC stalwart Erinasito Onyilo Tongokemo and visited the Abia Massacre Memorial Site, honoring victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. To strengthen UPC’s presence, he inaugurated two party offices in Akura Sub-County and Alebtong Town Council. –Ends– Filed 22 & 23 Feb, 2025