By Okidi Patrick
Family of Late Mzee Ocen Robinson Switches Allegiance from UPC to NRM, Hailed by Commissioner Dr. Alice Akello Opio
APAC, UGANDA– January 4, 2026: The family of the late Mzee Ocen Robinson, a respected elder of Akokoro sub-county in Apac District, has officially joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM), marking a pivotal shift from their decades-long affiliation with the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party.
The announcement was made during the funeral rites held on December 31, 2025, in Abongodero village, the ancestral home of Mzee Robinson, who passed away at the age of 79 after battling heart disease for over five years. The event, attended by hundreds of mourners, local leaders, and representatives of the central government, took a historic turn as over ten family members publicly declared their allegiance to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s ruling party.
Commissioner Dr. Alice Akello Opio, in-charge of the Northern Region’s RDCs, commended the family’s decision, describing it as “a powerful gesture of unity, progress, and national cohesion.”
“This transition is not just political—it symbolizes trust in the leadership of His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, a leader who remembers every Ugandan, even in their most difficult moments,” said Commissioner Akello during her address.
On behalf of President Museveni, Commissioner Akello delivered a condolence package of UGX 10 million to the bereaved family. The donation was formally received by Hon. Kenny Auma Lapat, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kwania District and daughter of the late Mzee Robinson.
Hon. Auma recounted her father’s long illness, saying he had been under medical review at Mulago National Referral Hospital for years and received consistent medical attention. “He was a man of peace, a pillar of our family and community. In his final days, he wrote his will and insisted on being laid to rest here in Abongodero, where his heart always remained,” she shared.
The junior chief of the Arak Ongora clan, Kayoyi Denis, also praised President Museveni, calling him a “father to all” regardless of political leanings. “When our elder fell sick, it was the President who remembered us. That’s why we have decided: come January 15, 2026, we shall vote as one for HE Yoweri Museveni,” he declared to thunderous applause.
Commissioner Akello used the occasion to urge the Akokoro community and extended family to honor Mzee Robinson’s legacy by fostering unity, development, and peaceful coexistence. “Let us draw strength from his spirit and build a future where no one is left behind,” she implored.
The political realignment, led by the head of the Robinson household, was framed not as a moment of betrayal to the past, but a pragmatic embrace of present and future progress. The family cited key infrastructure developments under the NRM—particularly the ongoing Rwekunye-Apac-Lira-Puranga road project—as evidence of tangible change in their region.
“President Museveni has shown us he remembers our struggles and uplifts our values,” said ne of the family elder. “His support during our time of grief, and his commitment to development, have earned our loyalty.”
The switch from UPC to NRM carries deep resonance in Uganda’s political fabric, where party affiliations often reflect generational and ethnic loyalties. Historically, the northern region has been a stronghold for opposition parties, especially UPC. The Robinson family’s endorsement of the NRM is being viewed as a strategic shift likely to influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the general elections on January 15, 2026.
Leaders, including Andrew Onyuk (RDC of Apac), Aturu Abraham (Deputy RDC of Kwania), and clan elders, joined in reflecting on Mzee Robinson’s life—remembering him as a peacemaker, mentor, and advocate for community development.
As the day’s events concluded with a solemn prayer for peace and unity led by Commissioner Akello, attendees expressed hope that the transition would usher in new development projects and continued government support to the area.
“For us, this is not just about politics,” said one elder from Akokoro. “It’s about recognizing leadership that delivers. Mzee Robinson stood for unity. We are continuing his vision through this new chapter but this time we shall vote president Museveni come 15th January , 2026.”
In conclusion, the people of Akokoro are now looking ahead—united in grief, transformed by gesture, and focused on a future they believe will honor the enduring legacy of a beloved elder Ocen Robinson (RIP).
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