Police Blocks Akena’s Political Rally with Teargas in Alebtong District.
On Saturday, Police in Alebtong District fired teargas to disperse UPC supporters who had gathered in anticipation of the event, escalating tensions in the area.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong, Geoffrey Okiswa defended the security decision, stating that the party had violated an agreement to hold a town hall meeting instead of an open-air rally.
Okiswa told a group of frustrated UPC supportersthat the Electoral Commission has yet to declare the campaign period, and such gatherings are not allowed.
The police intervention, which involved the use of teargas, was met with resistance from Akena’s supporters, many of whom accused authorities of unfairly suppressing opposition activities.
The move has sparked broader discussions about the state of political freedoms in Uganda and whether security agencies are applying regulations evenly across all political parties.
A memo issued Alebtong Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama on February 20, 2025, had warned against large public gatherings, citing security concerns.
The memo outlined specific guidelines, including a ban on political processions, a requirement for political meetings to be held indoors, and prior notification to district security authorities before any gathering.
Additionally, Lutwama emphasized that no public rallies should be held until the official campaign period is declared the Electoral Commission.
Nevertheless, UPC leaders insisted that their meeting was within their constitutional rights and that security forces were unfairly targeting their activities.
Hon. Jimmy Akena, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lira City East, is currently on a political mobilization tour in the region ahead of the 2026 general elections.
His visit is being closely watched, given UPC’s historical influence in the Lango sub-region and the party’s efforts to consolidate support.
Despite this drama, Akena and his team continued with his mobilization rally while addressing massive crowds at the roadsides and trading centres.
Akena will move to Otuke District tomorrow, February 23, 2025, for a similar activity.
UPC has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, and we are still waiting for their official response on the matter.
The opposition remains steadfast in its demand for equal treatment under the law, warning that selective enforcement could heighten political tensions.