Sarah Aguti Of UPC Emerges Winner Of The Dokolo By-elections

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Sarah Aguti, representing the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, emerges victorious as the newly elected District Woman Member of Parliament for Dokolo, as per preliminary results announced today by the Uganda Electoral Commission. Garnering an impressive 23,044 votes, Aguti outshines her closest rival from the NRM party, who secured 14,001 votes, FDC Ogwal 8,168, Ind Akullo 790, NUP Ageno 727, Ind Alao 439

The by-election witnessed Aguti triumph over five other candidates, including Dr. Rosemary Alwoc Ogwal of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Janet Rose Adongo Elau of the NRM, Harriet Ageno of the National Unity Platform (NUP), and independents Dr. Esther Akullo Obot Otada and Rebecca Arao.

Votes were tabulated amidst heightened security measures, although reports of voter bribery, ballot stuffing, and sporadic violence surfaced later in the day, prompting concerns from opposition parties like the FDC and the UPC.

Allegations arose against the security apparatus in Dokolo, with the FDC claiming the arbitrary arrest of three supporters, including two aides to party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, over alleged theft incidents. Additionally, discrepancies in the Declaration of Results (DR) forms at certain polling stations raised eyebrows.

However, Moses Attan Okia, a supervisor from the FDC, noted that despite minor disturbances, the overall conduct of the election remained relatively peaceful.

While the UPC voiced concerns over instances of voter bribery and irregularities in certain polling stations, their candidate, Aguti, maintained that the electoral process unfolded without major disruptions.

During the electoral process, UPC President Jimmy James Akena raised allegations of monetary inducements by the ruling NRM party, claiming each village received 200,000 shillings through Regional District Commissioners (RDCs). Nonetheless, Akena declined to provide a formal statement to the Police regarding these allegations.

Sebastian Oswin Oguti, the RDC of Lamwo, deployed in Amwoma Sub County, dismissed opposition complaints as attempts to garner unwarranted attention.

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) holds a significant place in the political landscape of Uganda, with a rich and complex history that spans over six decades. Founded by Apollo Milton Obote, the UPC emerged as a prominent political force in the post-colonial era, shaping Uganda’s trajectory through triumphs, challenges, and periods of political upheaval.

The roots of the Uganda People’s Congress can be traced back to the early 1960s when Uganda was on the brink of gaining independence from British colonial rule. Apollo Milton Obote, a charismatic and influential figure, spearheaded the formation of the party in 1960, uniting various political factions and ethnic groups under the banner of nationalism and anti-colonialism. The UPC’s founding principles emphasized unity, social justice, and economic development, resonating with many Ugandans eager for change and self-governance.

In 1962, Uganda achieved independence, marking the beginning of a new era in its political history. The UPC emerged as a dominant political force, with Obote serving as the country’s first Prime Minister. Under Obote’s leadership, the UPC government implemented ambitious policies aimed at promoting national unity and socio-economic progress. However, tensions soon emerged within the party and the broader political landscape, leading to a series of political crises and power struggles.

One of the defining moments in the history of the UPC occurred in 1966 when Prime Minister Obote controversially suspended the constitution, dissolved the parliament, and assumed direct control of the government, effectively establishing a one-party state. This move, known as the “1966 Crisis,” sparked widespread condemnation and resistance, setting the stage for years of political instability and unrest.

In 1971, General Idi Amin seized power in a military coup, overthrowing Obote’s government and plunging Uganda into a period of tyranny and brutality. The UPC was banned, and its leaders were either exiled, imprisoned, or killed as Amin consolidated his grip on power through violence and repression. During this dark chapter in Uganda’s history, the UPC continued to exist in exile, with its members advocating for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

In 1979, a coalition of Ugandan exiles, backed by Tanzanian forces, launched a military campaign to oust Amin from power. The Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF), a broad-based alliance that included elements of the UPC, played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the Amin regime. With Amin’s downfall, Uganda experienced a brief period of optimism and hope for a return to democracy and stability.

Following Amin’s ouster, the UPC reemerged as a key political player in Uganda’s transition to civilian rule. In December 1980, Uganda held its first post-Amin elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. The UPC, led by Milton Obote, claimed victory in the elections, but the results were widely disputed, leading to widespread violence and unrest.

The 1980 elections marked the beginning of a turbulent decade characterized by political instability, economic decline, and human rights abuses. The UPC government faced growing opposition from various rebel groups, including the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by Yoweri Museveni. In 1985, another military coup ousted Obote from power, plunging Uganda into another period of uncertainty and conflict.

Despite its setbacks and challenges, the UPC remained resilient, advocating for democracy, peace, and reconciliation in Uganda. In the years that followed, the party continued to participate in Uganda’s political process, albeit with varying degrees of success. The UPC fielded candidates in subsequent elections, often competing against rival parties such as the National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by Yoweri Museveni, who had seized power in 1986.

In the decades since its founding, the Uganda People’s Congress has evolved and adapted to the changing political landscape of Uganda. While no longer the dominant force it once was, the UPC remains a significant political entity, representing the aspirations and interests of its members and supporters across the country. As Uganda continues its journey towards democracy and development, the legacy of the Uganda People’s Congress endures, shaping the nation’s political discourse and future trajectory.

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