UPC's Akena defiant, says will never abandon Obote legacy

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APAC

At the family homestead of Uganda’s former President Dr Milton Obote in Akokoro village, Apac district, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) embattled president Jimmy Akena has delivered one of his most fiery speeches yet.

The former First Son has vowed never to abandon the political legacy of his late father, Obote and insists that "UPC is an idea you cannot bury".

Speaking during a memorial prayer for UPC founder Obote on Friday, October 10, 2025, 20 years since his death, Akena, visibly emotional but defiant, said he would not be silenced or pushed out of the political race despite being blocked from nomination for the forthcoming 2026 elections.

UPC Party president and Obote's son, Jimmy Akena, addressing the congregation during the memorial service. (Credit: Solomon Okabo)

“I have not blinked. I have not turned. I am not going anywhere,” Akena said to cheers from party faithful. 

“If you are going to stop me, the only place you are taking me is here [Akokoro]. While I have breath, and the idea still lives because UPC is an idea, you cannot bury UPC.”

Akena vowed to “fight that election” with or without his name on the ballot paper, saying his struggle would be peaceful but determined.

“I am fighting, but I’m using my mind, not weapons. If you want to kill, you come and kill me, but I’m not going away,” he said.

The Electoral Commission last month blocked Akena’s nomination as UPC’s presidential flag-bearer for the 2026 General Election.

Jimmy Akena, son of former President Milton Obote and current UPC party leader, kneels in honor of his father’s legacy and contributions to nation-building during the memorial service. (Photo by Solomon Okabo)

According to the EC, Akena’s election as party president was illegal, null and void, citing irregularities in the process that brought him to leadership, disqualifying him and the others from official nomination under the UPC banner.

The UPC constitution (Article 14.1(3) limits the party president to two terms, unless the incumbent wins a national presidential election during their second term. Akena had already served two full terms (2015–2020 and 2020–2025), but since he did not meet the exceptional condition, his bid for another term breached the constitution.

The High Court in Kampala, presided over by Justice Bernard Namanya, ruled that Akena’s nomination for the 2025–2030 term was illegal, null and void. The decision followed a petition by UPC member Dennis Adim Enap, who challenged Akena’s re-nomination. The court also barred UPC from nominating him again.

Reconciliation in action

In a rare moment of symbolism, Akena thanked Jaffar Amin, son of former president Idi Amin Dada, for attending the event, describing their relationship as a living act of reconciliation.

“My going to Koboko and Jaffar coming to Akokoro is reconciliation in action, not in words,” Akena said. “We are all part of Uganda. I am not going back to exile. If you’re not comfortable with what I’m doing, my spot is right here.”

Jaffar Amin echoed similar sentiments, saying it is time for Uganda to move beyond politics of humiliation and embrace restoration and unity.

“We are true sons of the soil. Restitution and reconciliation must guide us forward,” Jaffar said.

UPC’s enduring vision

Akena recalled the achievements of the UPC government before its overthrow in 1971, crediting his father’s Second Five-Year Development Plan (1966–1971) for shaping Uganda’s foundation in health, education and infrastructure.

“Every statistic that touches on human life showed progress under UPC,” he said. “In 1971, Uganda was leading Africa. What Obote built, from Karuma Bridge to hospitals, was for the people of Uganda.”

He challenged the Government over stalled projects and unfulfilled promises, citing the Masindi-Apac-Lira-Kitgum road, which he said was listed for reconstruction as far back as 1987.

“The Minister of Finance then said funds were secured, yet decades later, we are still waiting,” Akena said. “Where did the tarmac go? Or where did the money go?”

Call to rebuild and recruit UPC

Turning to party mobilisation, Akena issued a rallying call to UPC members nationwide to recruit and rebuild the party from the grassroots up.

“We are not walking away,” he said. “Recruit and recruit and recruit. That is the number one order. UPC must rise again and lead this country positively.”

He likened political struggle to sports, recounting how he represented Uganda in motocross without adequate funding but still emerged victorious.

“Even when I start late, I finish strong,” he said. “If the election starts tomorrow, I’ll still run that race.”

Voices of unity and resolve

Several leaders at the event echoed Akena’s call for perseverance and unity.

Bishop Emeritus John Charles Odurkami urged political actors to overcome internal divisions.

“A house divided against itself will fall. We need to accept one another with our strengths and weaknesses so that we can grow together,” he said.

Miria Kalule Obote, widow of the former president, appealed to supporters to keep the UPC flame alive despite challenges.

“UPC must always be there. We cannot let it die,” she said.

Geoffrey Ocen, Amolatar District Chairperson and UPC parliamentary candidate, advised Akena to organise a grand homecoming and unite opposition forces to bring political change.

“Even if you are blocked from nomination, unite with others. Obote won independence through coalition,” Ocen said.

David Kennedy Odongo, LC5 Chairperson of Alebtong, compared those who blocked Akena’s nomination to loan defaulters who would eventually fail to pay back.

Sarah Aguti, Dokolo Woman MP, condemned the imprisonment of Akena.

“It’s shameful for anyone to jail a Lango son and return here to launch campaigns,” she said.

Maxwell Akora, a cousin of Akena, reaffirmed that UPC would not boycott the 2026 polls: Whether Jimmy is on the ballot or not, vote meaningfully to express our frustration and hope for a better Uganda.