Apac District, January 7, 2026 – The Territorial Police in Apac District have confirmed the opening of a formal investigation into a serious case of assault and malicious damage stemming from a violent clash between supporters of two rival political candidates on the evening of January 5, 2026.
The incident was reported by Hon. Akora Maxwell, the Member of Parliament for Maruzu County, and involves ten named victims, including Nyangkiri Nickson, Adongo Kevin Vicky, Akello Agnes, and several others who sustained injuries.
According to the official police statement released by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Public Relations Officer for the North Kyoga Region, the altercation occurred at approximately 7:08 PM. Hon. Akora Maxwell and his team were returning from a campaign rally in Corner Amoro cell, Agulu Division, when they encountered a group identified as supporters of his rival, Hon. Ocan Patrick, who were returning from a separate event in Te-Obia cell within the same division.
A fight erupted between the two groups, resulting in Hon. Akora Maxwell's supporters being "badly injured." The MP's vehicle, a Toyota Noah registration number UBS 716L, was also significantly damaged in the violence.
Police noted that while both parties were legally campaigning in Agulu Division, the clash occurred past the official campaign time. Upon being alerted by Hon. Akora Maxwell, the District Police Commander (DPC) Apac dispatched a team that rescued the victims and transported them to the hospital for treatment.
A case of assault and malicious damage was officially registered at Apac Central Police Station (CPS) at 7:14 PM on January 5. Investigators have recorded statements from two witnesses and have photographed and impounded the damaged vehicle at CPS pending a detailed inspection.
In response to the violence, the District Security Committee convened a meeting with all aspiring candidates on January 6 to reinforce commitments to peaceful campaigning and ensure harmony.
"The law must prevail over those involved," SP Okema stated emphatically in the release.
However, the police investigation faces a challenge. SP Okema noted that neither the complainant nor the victims have yet followed up on their initial report at the police station. Authorities are now appealing directly to them to actively support the investigative process.
"We appeal to them to support police with investigation, not just making a report for the sake of it," the statement concluded, urging cooperation to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
The investigation at Apac CPS remains active and ongoing.
