Alebtong, Uganda — The former UPC aspirant for Ajuri County, Alebtong District, Dr. Molo Tom Jasper, has announced his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections. He cited numerous irregularities during the UPC party primaries in Alebtong District as the reason for his move.
While addressing UPC delegates on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Comfort Guest House in Alebtong, Dr. Molo assured both party delegates and residents of Alebtong that he would stand as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections. During the event, he unveiled his official campaign poster.
His manifesto is anchored on four major pillars: livelihood support programs, healthcare improvement, education standards enhancement, and water and sanitation development, among other priorities he hopes will yield tangible results if elected.
Ocero Marthin stated that 12 delegates from sub-counties and parishes who had earlier been consulted during the UPC campaigns understood Dr. Molo Jasper’s agenda. However, he added that the inclusion of seven village delegates during the primaries weakened the process and exposed gaps in the UPC’s internal election system.
Okwonga Jackson, an NRM supporter from Awei Sub-county in Ajuri County, Alebtong District, expressed his support for independent UPC-leaning candidates Dr. Molo Tom Jasper and Acen Christine Ayoo. He criticized one of the current UPC flag bearers, saying they are not even married in Alebtong, implying a lack of local connection.
Leaders of UPC from the six sub-counties and one town council were present during the colorful endorsement of Dr. Molo Tom Jasper’s independent bid for the Ajuri County MP seat.
Okulu, one of the UPC delegates, described the recently concluded UPC primaries in Alebtong as having been marred by voter bribery and financial inducements—practices that contradict UPC’s values and agenda. He urged voters to support Molo Tom Jasper in the 2026 elections.
Akello Catherine, a prominent UPC delegate from Alebtong District, also endorsed Molo Jasper’s independent candidacy, expressing confidence that he will win the upcoming elections by a wide margin.
However, the UPC District Chairperson for Alebtong, Hon. Akung James Wapakabulu, cautioned that now that Molo Tom Jasper is contesting as an independent, he must recognize that UPC has a constitution guiding its political operations. Chairman Akung stated that anyone who defies party rules ceases to be a member of UPC. He emphasized the need for reconciliation and urged members to support the party’s official flag bearer wholeheartedly, noting that UPC believes in ideology, not defiance.
Wapakabulu also revealed that a reconciliation meeting had been held the previous day with some former aspirants. He thanked contestants like Okwany Jimmy and Obura, among others, for stepping down in favor of the official flag bearer and accepting the party’s decision.
“We are working to eliminate the issue of independent candidates,” he said. “It is on record that the Alebtong party primaries were free and fair. In the general elections, we will support and stand by the UPC Party President, Hon. Jimmy Michael Akena, and all party flag bearers.”
Dr. Molo Jasper will face tough competition in the 2026 general elections, including the newly elected NRM Northern Vice Chairperson, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, and the UPC flag bearer, Jalameso Fred, among other candidates in the Ajuri County MP race.
