UPC’s Jimmy Akena vows to secure 2026 general election presidential ballot spot
Akena emphasised that the party’s processes must be respected, stressing that no one would be allowed to declare themselves unopposed without adhering to established guidelines.
The Uganda People Congress (UPC) party President, Jimmy Akena, addressing the weekly press briefing at the party headquarters in Kampala on July 22, 2025. (Photos by Wilfred Sanya)
By Wilfred Sanya
Journalists @New Vision
________________
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has declared his intent to contest in the 2026 general elections, asserting that he will ensure his name appears on the ballot.
Briefing the media at Uganda House, the party headquarters in Kampala on July 22, 2025, Akena addressed internal party reforms, external political challenges, and preparations for the upcoming elections.
Cracking down on internal dissent
Akena announced the immediate dismissal of three members of the party’s electoral commission (EC), Naume Natukunda, Jack Kabusi, and Magero Were, effective July 21.
He accused them of overstepping their mandates by interfering in matters outside their designated roles.
“These individuals were tasked with processing candidates for the 2026 elections but instead meddled in unrelated issues,” he said.
Akena emphasised that the party’s processes must be respected, stressing that no one would be allowed to declare themselves unopposed without adhering to established guidelines.
A call for fair competition
Akena criticised attempts by external actors, including President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM), to undermine UPC’s legacy and electoral prospects.
Chairperson Hajji Kezimbira Mahamood, who is chairman of UPC electoral Commission, and Fahad Kinyiri Mtenderwa, the Vice President UPC, listen to their party President Jimmy Akena while addressing a press conference on July 22, 2025.
He refuted NRM’s claims of developing infrastructure like Busolwe Hospital, arguing that it was originally built under UPC’s governance in the 1960s.
“The NRM falsely attributes Busolwe Hospital to their tenure in 1986, but it was part of 21 hospitals constructed by UPC, later expanded to 24,” he said.
Akena also dismissed inflated cost estimates for hospital rehabilitation cited by the government, insisting UPC’s historical contributions should be acknowledged.
Preparing for a “new era”
The UPC leader reiterated his commitment to upholding the party’s foundational principles, tracing its vision to former President Milton Obote’s policies.
“Our campaign is built on the legacy of leaders who expanded healthcare access, including a 78% increase in hospital beds per capita by 1966,” he said.
Akena called on Museveni to allow a fair electoral contest, stating, “We will not tolerate obstacles to our participation. Ugandans deserve to hear our message of hope and change.”
Legal and structural reforms
Akena confirmed that the newly reconstituted EC, led by Chairperson Hajji Kezimbira Mahamood, would oversee candidate nominations for parliamentary, district, and local council positions.
He also addressed speculation about the party’s presidential flag bearer, with legal officer Godfrey Gimei clarifying that no candidate, including Dennis Adima, has been officially endorsed. Gimei cited the UPC Constitution, which mandates district conferences to nominate presidential candidates by majority vote, and noted that recent court rulings invalidated Jackson Opul’s candidacy.
Looking ahead
Akena concluded by urging unity among UPC delegates, stating, “We are preparing to meet our delegates—the party’s true owners—to chart a path forward. The UPC’s dream of transformative leadership must not die.”