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JUST IN: Dr. Jane Aceng Orders NRM Supporters in Lira City to Avoid putting on Yellow T-Shirts for 3 Days Amid Tensions.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA CITY — January 13, 2026: Lira City Woman Member of Parliament and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, has issued a directive instructing all her supporters and NRM sympathizers to refrain from wearing yellow T-shirts for the next three days.
The announcement came during a press briefing held Friday afternoon at St. Lira Hotel, where Dr. Aceng expressed deep concern over what she described as a deliberate attempt by opposition elements—particularly supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC)—to misrepresent the NRM by wearing its signature yellow campaign attire.
“I have instructed all NRM supporters in Lira City not to wear any yellow clothing for the next three days,” Dr. Aceng declared. “This is because the opposition, especially UPC supporters, are now using yellow T-shirts to attack our people and then falsely claim that it is NRM supporters who are causing violence. This is a dangerous propaganda tactic aimed at misleading voters and tarnishing our image.”
Dr. Aceng alleged that coordinated groups of hired thugs, some dressed in yellow, have been involved in recent confrontations in various parts of Lira City, with the intent of creating chaos and blaming it on the ruling party. She further accused her main rival, UPC’s Hon. Betty Amongi, of engaging in illicit campaign practices, including vote-buying and incitement.
“UPC operatives are going around distributing sugar, soap, and even fabrics to voters. This is a clear violation of the electoral code of conduct,” Dr. Aceng stated. “The Electoral Commission and security agencies must act swiftly to stop these illegal acts that threaten the credibility of the electoral process.”
However, Hon. Betty Amongi, the UPC candidate and former Minister of Gender, Family & Children, has denied all allegations. In a brief phone interview, Amongi called the accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
“The claims by Dr. Aceng are false and meant to distract from her own campaign shortcomings,” Amongi said. “I will issue a detailed public statement on Tuesday to set the record straight. UPC remains committed to peaceful, issue-based campaigning.”
Meanwhile, North Kyoga Police confirmed that security forces are monitoring rising political tensions in Lira City urging all political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate violence.
“We are aware of the heightened political activities. “Our officers are deployed across the city to maintain law and order. We call on all supporters to campaign peacefully and report any suspicious activities.”
The controversy over campaign violence underscores the growing intensity of theWoman MP race for Lira city.
Citizens in Lira are now being advised to remain vigilant and report any election-related violence or violations to the Electoral Commission or police station” Said a senior high ranking police officer who prefered not to be named in the publication.
Dr. Aceng’s three-day ban on NRM yellow T-shirts is to avoid alleged intended blackmail from her rival, with some supporters complying with the directive.
For now, the streets of Lira city remain tense, as both camps gear up for a crucial final hours of campaigning before midnight —with more statements and tensions expected in the days ahead.
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