Lira, Uganda | Lira City is witnessing a major realignment in opposition politics after a prominent Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) mobiliser revealed that hundreds of party members have pledged support to Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 general elections, pointing to development performance and inclusive leadership as the basis of their decision.
Godwin Acai, UPC coordinating chairperson in Lira City who has served in the party since 1996, revealed that 470 UPC members across the city had agreed to align with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign structure.
He said his team had evaluated the impact of leaders and concluded that Dr. Aceng and President Museveni had demonstrated stronger commitment to public welfare compared to the UPC parliamentary aspirant in the constituency.
Acai noted that each parish in Lira City had 30 UPC representatives who would act as coordinators and campaign agents for the NRM candidates during the 2026–2031 electoral cycle.
He explained that although he remained a UPC member, his decision to support the NRM leaders was motivated by a desire to prioritise community development over party loyalty.
He emphasised that Dr. Aceng had shown leadership that transcended political affiliation, saying she served all Ugandans without discrimination.
He added that the minister had demonstrated a track record of working across party lines, which he believed was the kind of leadership needed in the current political climate.
According to Acai, his group had lost confidence in their party’s parliamentary candidate, arguing that she had focused on personal interests rather than serving the community.
He said they had therefore chosen to mobilise for leaders they believed would deliver improved health services, better education, and road infrastructure.
He stated that President Museveni had played a critical role in stabilising the country and overseeing key development projects in Lango, while Dr. Aceng had elevated Uganda’s international health profile and contributed significantly to community development.
Acai urged Ugandans to assess political leaders based on their ability to deliver services rather than on partisan boundaries, saying the 2026 elections should be centered on continuity of progress and national stability.
The move indicates growing political realignment in the Lango subregion as cross-party alliances take shape ahead of what observers predict will be a decisive electoral contest.