By Jumah Kakomo
The Opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has confirmed that party president Jimmy Akena will contest in the 2026 presidential election.
This follows the opening of an exercise of picking up of nomination and supporter forms and guidelines by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to commence the process as well as fulfil the requirements
Akena recently re-echoed his intention to contest as a party president in the forthcoming general elections despite the high court ruling disqualifying him from the same. The Court in Kampala, on July 18, 2025, declared the nomination of Hon. Jimmy James Michael Akena for a third term as president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party illegal, null, and void, citing a violation of the party’s constitution.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Bernard Namanya, followed a legal challenge filed by UPC member Dennis Adim Enap, who argued that Akena had already served the constitutionally allowed two terms referring to Article 14.1(3) of the UPC Constitution which says a party president is limited to two five-year terms, unless they become President of Uganda during their second term—a condition Akena does not meet. Akena was first elected in 2015, served until 2020, and was re-elected for a second term from 2020 to 2025.
The court issued an order of certiorari quashing UPC’s decision to nominate Akena and an injunction restraining the party from nominating him again for the same position.
Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Kampala, on July 19, 2025, Jimmy James Michael Akena entertained the ruling which he says recognized him as the party president which for various sections of party members have failed to do for several years. However, he vowed to go ahead and contest in the 2026 general elections, not as a member of parliament, but rather as a presidential candidate which also prompted him announce plans to hold the party’s Delegates’ Conference on July 26th in Kamudini at Northern gateway hotel Oyam District, asking aggrieved party members to use it to resolve any sticking issues despite hindered by police citing lack of security personnel, however the conference was conducted virtually
“I think within UPC there are masquerades and I don’t think there is anyone who is as prepared as I am to run the race for presidency 2026 , the matters have been highlighted in the ruling and am not going to parliament but am going for the president of Uganda ,” Akena said.
Speaking to the media at Party Headquarters Kampala on August 12, 2025, the party head of media and communications Faizo Muzeyi noted that Akena’s bid for the presidency is significant step towards reviving the party’s legacy and offering a distinct platform for voters seeking for change. Faizo emphasized the party’s commitment to fielding candidates at all levels of government.
“Akena’s bid is seen as an effort to strengthen the party’s influence and reclaim its historical significance in Ugandan politics,” Faizo said.
Faizo further revealed that the party is set to conduct its internal elections scheduled for August 16 and 18, 2025. He urged all stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society, and politicians, to ensure peace and safety before, during, and after the elections
