In a recent development within the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Secretary General Fred Ebil Ebil has expressed strong disapproval of Hon. Maxwell Akora’s decision to contest against fellow party member Hon. Patrick Ocan for the Apac Municipality parliamentary seat. Ebil emphasized that the party does not support members leaving their constituencies to challenge colleagues in other areas, calling such actions divisive and counterproductive.
Speaking to karumapost, Ebil stated, “As a party, we have mechanisms to resolve internal disputes. If Hon. Akora had issues with Hon. Ocan, he should have raised them during our recent parliamentary meeting chaired by the party president. However, no such concerns were brought forward.” Ebil further warned that Akora’s actions could create unnecessary tension within the party, describing the move as “looking for a quarrel.”
Ebil remained confident in UPC’s strength, asserting that the party would emerge victorious in both Apac Municipality and Maruzi County regardless of the internal contest. “UPC is poised for a significant win in northern Uganda. Our focus should be on uniting against our political opponents, not fighting among ourselves,” he added.
AKORA ACCUSATIONS ON OCAN
Hon. Maxwell Akora, recently declared his intention to challenge Ocan in the UPC primaries claiming it aligns with the party’s leadership interests. Akora accused Ocan of abandoning UPC’s agenda and aligning with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). “UPC supported Ocan when Apac Municipality was created in 2018 and during the 2021 elections. However, the party has gained nothing from his representation in the 11th Parliament,” Akora stated.
Akora further alleged that Ocan has been collaborating closely with Apac District Woman MP Hon. Betty Engola, an NRM member, and has been “dancing to the tune of the NRM.” He emphasized that his decision to challenge Ocan followed extensive consultations with UPC leadership and stakeholders, who agreed that Ocan no longer serves the party’s best interests.
POLITICAL BATTLE HEATS UP
The upcoming UPC primaries in Apac Municipality are expected to be highly contested, with both Akora and Ocan vying for the party’s ticket. While Akora has positioned himself as a candidate committed to UPC’s values, Ocan’s alleged ties to the NRM have become a focal point of the debate.
As the internal contest unfolds, UPC leaders are calling for unity and caution against actions that could weaken the party ahead of the 2026 general elections. Fred Ebil Ebil reiterated the importance of resolving disputes through the party’s established structures, urging members to prioritize UPC’s collective goals over individual ambitions.
The political showdown in Apac Municipality highlights the challenges UPC faces in maintaining cohesion while addressing internal disagreements. With northern Uganda being a key stronghold for the party, the outcome of this contest could have significant implications for UPC’s future in the region.
