The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party President, Hon. Jimmy Akena, has reaffirmed his intention to contest in the 2026 general elections as the party’s presidential flag bearer, despite ongoing debates within the party about constitutional limits and procedural requirements.
In a phone interview with Voice of Lango FM on Tuesday Morning, Hon. Akena addressed mounting speculation about his political future and leadership within the UPC. He confirmed the party is finalizing its internal roadmap, aligning with the national electoral commission’s timeline, with key activities set to begin in May for special interest groups.
“We already have a working document, and we’re basing it on the Electoral Commission’s roadmap. There’s one key component from EC that affects all political parties, and we hope to finalize that in a meeting this week involving all parliamentary parties and chaired by the Minister of Justice,” Akena explained.
Addressing Leadership Term Concerns
When asked about the alleged expiration of his “nonrenewable” term, Akena downplayed the criticism, stating, “…there which we will resolve as a party will Move ahead the whole issue of UPC and UPC in its activities it’s not something which abstract It is not something which is just on paper and whatever The UPC is a living entity and uh when we are carrying out activities you actually see us you feel us and you know we are there…” suggesting internal party mechanisms will address the matter.
“There are party organs with the authority to handle it,” he said, adding that discussions about his term limit are not unexpected and will be resolved internally…”
UPC’s 2026 Preparedness and Flag Bearer Debate
Hon. Akena projected confidence about UPC’s readiness for the 2026 elections, noting that even the ruling NRM is aware of UPC’s strategic positioning. “The UPC is not just on paper, it is a living entity, and the activities are visible,” he asserted.
He revealed that the party is targeting August 2025 for a national delegates conference, where key decisions, including party structure elections, are expected to take place. When probed about his personal intention to run, Akena remained respectful of party processes “It is the party that bestows the flag upon a candidate. I do not take it for granted.”
Despite this, he confirmed that plans are underway for his official nomination on October 2, 2025, reinforcing previous statements by the UPC Secretary General. “That’s the preparation we are working on. Unless I am buried at the feet of my father in Awere, I will be on the ballot,” he stated boldly.
Hon. Akena also emphasized the need to amend the party constitution to allow broader participation in leadership elections. He he remarked, explaining that to empower all UPC members to vote for their party president, the constitution needs to be opened up.
He referenced past reforms from 2008 that required a candidate to gain support from at least a third of district caucuses, asserting that the aim is to ensure UPC’s flag bearer has a national appeal.
“These proposed changes are meant to strengthen the party’s democratic participation and align more closely with national electoral standards.”
Hon. Akena’s 2026 bid signals a competitive race ahead as the countdown to the elections continues.
ENDS
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