As the political fever of 2026 surmounts and reaches its peak, Lango sub-region is set to be a special political zone for those interested in wave-based politics. Let’s take a deeper look, as I have seen in my own opinion, being a political philosopher.
1. Perceived Strength and Hon Jimmy Akena’s Influence in the Presidential Buildup Political speculators have hinged on Akena’s supposed attempt at the Presidency as the propellant for most, if not all, of UPC’s strength in the Lango sub-region going forward. They say any aspirant under the UPC ticket needs only to mention the name Akena Obote, and they will succeed. But what are the possibilities?
Yes, it is an undeniable fact that Akena will ride on the popularity of his father to gain favor in Lango, but that won’t necessarily extend to other aspirants. Hon Akena will have to traverse the whole country, giving little or no attention to the Lango sub-region.
2. NRM-UPC Alliance Most UPC members now dream of state power courtesy of a powerful, albeit never clearly defined, alliance between UPC and NRM. However, this will have no positive effect as UPC will then have to share any blame with NRM. This contradicts UPC’s propaganda against NRM and will likely lead to UPC’s dismal performance in Lango Sub-region.
Despite the perceived strengths that most UPC hopefuls rely on, there are numerous challenges awaiting UPC in the coming elections.
3. Struggle for Party Flag (Flag Bearers) It is now a public secret that there is a rush for the UPC flag in the upcoming elections in Lango. Political miscalculators think that carrying the UPC flag will suffice for a win, but the impact will be massive party division. UPC will face its worst party division in history in Lango as 2026 approaches. This will lead to a large number of aspirants running on independent tickets, which will undoubtedly give NRM a smooth path in the elections. For instance, in Amolatar, only one constituency has more than seven UPC aspirants planning to take the flag. NRM will surely capitalize on this in Amolatar. This is exacerbated by the crisscrossing of some UPC spectators, as recently seen in Lira City, Lira District, Dokolo District, among others.
4. Corruption Aspect This has been UPC’s number one tool for humiliating and decampaigning against NRM. However, if the current trend of suspected and alleged corruption in UPC-led district local governments is anything to go by, then UPC’s image is already tainted in Lango. Take for instance the issues of road fund suspected fraud in Amolatar, Kole, and Apac. All NRM grassroots mobilizers need to do is point out the government money released and then point out the ungraded roads. UPC’s grassroots support will be no more. NRM, however, has another powerful tool at its disposal: the current corruption fight led by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Museveni, and state apparatus gives NRM a blank cheque to save its image from almost going due to corruption.
In conclusion, a critical analysis of the so-called UPC WAVE in Lango is actually a wave towards its destruction and its ascension to its final resting place. It is my prediction that UPC may actually come out of 2026 with fewer than 10 MPs and less than 50% dominance in lower local government in Lango.
The writer is an aspiring MP for Maruzi North Constituency. Otim Bernard Odoc
