By KT Reporter
The leadership of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party in Lira City has suspended Godwin Achai, the party chairman for Bazaar Ward in Lira City East Division, over allegations of abuse of office and misconduct.
Achai recently came under scrutiny after publicly criticizing party operations and openly declaring his support for the NRM’s Dr. Jane Aceng Ocero for the Lira City Woman MP seat, instead of UPC’s official candidate, Betty Amongi. During a tense meeting convened at Garden Inn Hotel in Lira City, party leaders accused Achai of misconduct, noting that his actions went against the party’s values and leadership code.
The meeting also addressed key agenda items such as party strengthening strategies and proposals to review the UPC constitution to pave the way for party president Jimmy Akena to contest in the 2026 general elections. The leaders resolved to suspend Achai from his role as division chairperson, though he will remain a member of the UPC.
A separate meeting will be held to elect his replacement. Simon Opio Okaka, UPC’s chairperson for Lira City, explained that while the party constitution permits individuals to support candidates of their choice, those in leadership must uphold party discipline.
In his defense, Achai said he chose to support Minister Aceng over Minister Amongi because the latter openly supports NRM’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over UPC’s President, Jimmy James Michael Akena. He also accused Minister Amongi of undermining party structures for personal gain.
“I want you to know that members of the UPC from both Lira City, within Lango and outside who are not happy with whatever is happening in the party are many, and they should not be undermined,” Achai said.
He later stormed out of the meeting, describing the decision to remove him from office as an “insult.” He added that he had already planned to hand over the office to his deputy on Tuesday, April 15.
William Onyanga, UPC’s national party mobilizer, warned that unresolved internal conflicts had previously contributed to the party losing the Woman MP seat and urged members to address disputes ahead of the next general elections.
Similarly, Denis Peter Odongo Odul, the councilor for City East B in Lira City Council, emphasized the importance of resolving internal disagreements for successful mobilization under Jimmy Akena’s leadership.
Norah Akidi, councilor for Anyomorem Ward in Lira City East Division, moved the motion to suspend Achai from office, which was seconded by Jimmy Acuma and Patrick Opio-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
