The President of the Opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena, has reiterated that he has not given up on his dream of liberating Ugandans from what he describes as the tyranny they are enduring under the current ruling regime.
It should be noted that the Electoral Commission had previously barred Akena from contesting in the presidential election after a court order nullified his position as UPC president.
This ruling followed the unlawful convening of a delegates’ conference in July 2025, despite an interim court order halting the event.
Akena later challenged the Electoral Commission’s decision to block his nomination by filing a petition in the High Court.
However, the judge dismissed the case, citing constitutional violations and binding court orders, which rendered Akena ineligible for nomination.
In a media briefing at the party’s headquarters in Kampala this afternoon, Akena stated that he was exploring different avenues, which he did not disclose, to ensure his name appears on the 2026 election ballot.
Akena also defended his engagement with Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), following Kyagulanyi’s visit to Akena’s home and to the graveyard of former Ugandan president Milton Obote.
Akena described the visit as a gesture of dialogue and cooperation, urging Ugandans to focus on rebuilding the country for a better future rather than criticizing interactions between political leaders.
He emphasized the importance of thinking broadly and considering the historical context of his family’s contribution to Uganda.
Akena specifically highlighted the role of his grandfather in protecting King Mwanga and Kabalega in the Lango region.
Akena further noted that the Lango voters are crucial in the upcoming elections and should not be overlooked.
He attributed the criticism of Kyagulanyi’s visit to fear and political bias.
By Olivia Nabaggala
29th Oct 2025
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