A section of elders, local leaders, and members of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the Lango Sub-region has openly defied UPC party president Jimmy Akena by declaring their support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 general elections.
Their declaration, issued on Friday and endorsed by more than a dozen party members, comes just weeks after Akena warned UPC supporters against voting for or supporting Museveni. During the recent launch of the UPC manifesto, Akena advised that those intending to back the incumbent president should refrain from giving their vote to the NRM flag bearer.
However, leaders in Lango say Akena’s directive does not represent the collective views of party members in the sub-region.
In a joint statement, the elders praised President Museveni’s leadership, arguing that his tenure has delivered peace, unity, and development to Lango—a region that endured insurgency for over a decade.
“Through the leadership of His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Lango and Uganda enjoy peace, development, and wealth-creation initiatives,” the statement reads in part.
They emphasized that their endorsement is specifically for Museveni’s presidential bid and does not extend to supporting NRM parliamentary or district candidates.
“We strongly disassociate ourselves from the recent directive by the UPC president. Our support is for the President in his capacity as an individual, and Lango voters remain free to choose leaders of their preference at local and legislative levels,” said Geoffrey Ogwal, LC5 Chairperson for Kwania District.
Speaking to journalists in Lira City, Ogwal described the decision as a strategic move.
“Museveni’s leadership has brought peace and development to Lango; we cannot ignore that. Our goal is to ensure continued stability and progress for our communities,” he said.
UPC Regional Vice Chairperson Chris Ongom added that the decision is rooted in the desire for unity and national development rather than party loyalty.
“Our support is for the President as an individual, not for NRM flag bearers,” Ongom noted. “We urge our colleagues in UPC and FDC to join us in promoting unity, peace, and development in Lango and Uganda.”
Political observers say the statement may signal a broader shift ahead of the 2026 elections, with individuals and groups within traditional opposition parties increasingly backing candidates outside their party lines.