Apac municipality MP three-horse race turns testy as campaign clash exposes high stakes

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With campaigns intensifying ahead of polling day January 15, 2026, the contest for the Apac Municipality Member of Parliament seat has sharpened into a fiercely fought three-horse race, now clouded by violence that has raised fresh concerns over discipline and political tolerance.

Three candidates are vying for the seat, each bringing political history, lineage and party weight into a contest that is increasingly drawing regional attention. They are independent candidate and incumbent MP Patrick Ocan, outgoing Maruzi County MP Maxwell Akora of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and National Resistance Movement (NRM)'s Isaac Odongo Nekyon.

Akora is a close relative of former Uganda president Apollo Milton Obote and a recognised clan leader, a connection that has bolstered his standing within UPC circles. Ocan, who previously served under UPC before falling out with party structures, is seeking another term as an independent following internal party disputes. Nekyon, meanwhile, carries the NRM banner and is a cousin to the late veteran politician Akbar Adoko Nekyon.

Campaign trail turns violent

The rivalry spilt onto the streets on January 5, 2026, when supporters of two rival candidates clashed in what the Police describe as an assault and malicious damage incident.

According to a source, trouble erupted when Maxwell Akora’s campaign team, returning from a rally, crossed paths with Patrick Ocan’s supporters. The source alleges that Akora’s bodyguard jumped out of his vehicle and punched a member of Ocan’s team, sparking a violent confrontation.

The bodyguard was reportedly beaten by the crowd and Akora’s campaign vehicle sustained damage during the melee.

Police investigation underway

Confirming the incident, North Kyoga Police region spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema told New Vision Online that Police in Apac district are investigating a case of assault and malicious damage, reported by Maxwell Akora Ebong Patrick, 60, the Member of Parliament for Maruzi County.

The incident reportedly happened at about 7:08pm as Akora and his team were returning from a campaign rally at Corner Amoro Cell, Agulu division, when they encountered Ocan’s team coming from Te-Obia Cell, in the same division.

Police say a fight broke out between supporters of the two camps, leaving several people injured and a campaign vehicle, Toyota Noah, registration number UBS 716L, damaged.

The reported victims, include Nickson Nyangkiri, Kevin Vicky Adongo, Agnes Akello, Teddy Agol, Rose Adong, Dorus Apio, Ketty Auma, Dilish Agweng, Morgan Okullu and Walter Adoko.

The suspects, Police say, are believed to be supporters of Patrick Ocan.

Security response

Akora later alerted the Apac district Police commander (DPC) , who dispatched officers to the scene. The injured were rescued and evacuated to hospital for treatment.

Police said although both candidates had been scheduled to campaign in the same division, they were assigned different venues, and the clash occurred after official campaign hours.

A case was registered at Apac Central Police Station at 7:14pm the same evening. Statements have so far been recorded from two witnesses. The damaged vehicle has been photographed and exhibited at the station pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles (IOV).

In response to the incident, a meeting involving all parliamentary aspirants was convened on January 6, 2026, by the district security committee, aimed at restoring harmony and preventing further clashes.

“While dialogue has been encouraged, the law must take its course against anyone involved in criminal acts,” Okema said.

Police, however, expressed concern that neither the complainant nor the listed victims have since followed up on the case.

“We appeal to them to support police investigations,” Okema said, “not just to make reports for the sake of it.”

As Apac Municipality heads into the final stretch of campaigns, the clash serves as a stark reminder that political competition, however intense, must be waged through persuasion, not fists, if the electorate is to make its choice in peace.