UPC denies inciting Kwania LC1 poll violence as police arrest seven

Full report

The Uganda People’s Congress party in Kwania District has refuted allegations that its members incited violence and caused chaos during the Local Council One elections in Te-Opok and Acut villages, Apire Parish, Aduku Sub-county.

Speaking to our reporter on phone this evening, Odwono Moses, the UPC Party Registrar for Kwania District, said the claims are false and not true.

Some aspirants under the National Resistance Movement and independent candidates had accused UPC party members of being the frontrunners of causing violence.

Odwono said instead, members of UPC were intimidated and assaulted by supporters of their opponents.

Oyie Jimmy, the UPC flag bearer for LC1 Chairperson for Barmogo Village in Acaba Parish, Nambieso Sub-county, also expressed anger over how the security team treated him during the election.

On the other hand, Ebwam Peter, NRM aspirant for LC1 Chairperson for Acut Village, accused UPC party members of inciting violence and chaos during the election exercise in Apire Parish.

Okola Isaac, NRM candidate, and Anyero Denish, independent candidate for Te-Opok Village in Apire Parish, also accused UPC members of inciting violence and allowing unregistered residents to vote.

Obada Caesar, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, acknowledged receiving dozens of complaints from complainants regarding the election day incidents.

Meanwhile, seven people have been arrested in Kwania District for causing violence and interruptions during the election of Local Council One Chairpersons at polling stations.

According to a report from North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, SP. Jimmy Patrick Okema, the 7 suspects have been charged with malicious damage to property, specifically Declaration of Results forms, assault, inciting violence, and forgery or alteration of election results. Case files are still under investigation.

Following the incident, election officials have postponed voting in 12 polling stations in Kwania to July 29, 2026.