By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has outrightly rejected a decision by the Electoral Commission (EC), that blocked his nomination as the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2026 general elections.
On Monday (September 20), EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama wrote to UPC, stating that the Commission did not recognise Akena’s candidature despite the party submitting what it says were all the requirements under electoral laws.This followed internal party conflicts between three rival factions one led by Akena, another by Denis Adim Enap and the third one by Peter Walubiri, with each competing camp claiming legitimacy of the party leadership. The EC convened the three camps on Friday last week, however, no consensus was reached prompting the commission to decline party’s nomination.
Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters on Tuesday Akena described the Commission’s decision as “unfair” and an attempt to deny UPC its constitutional right to field a presidential candidate.
According to him, the party secured endorsements from more than 98 districts, which were verified and confirmed by the EC, and questioned the independence of the commission.
“From the onset, I want to reject the decision of the Hon. Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon to deny UPC it’s constitutional right to present a presidential candidate in the upcoming presidential elections,” Akena said
“The right to contest in an election is a constitutional right that should not be subject to the discretion of the Independent Electoral Commission.”
UPC has since filed an application for judicial review in the High Court, seeking to overturn the EC decision and compel the Commission to accept Akena’s candidature.
Akena, who is also Lira Municipality MP, urged UPC members and leaders to remain calm and continue mobilising for the party ahead of the 2026 elections.
“We will pursue all possible and peaceful means to ensure that UPC participates fully in the forthcoming elections,” he added.
Additionally, the UPC parliamentary committee condemned the unjust disqualification of their party president, and vowed to continue pushing for justice for their candidate.
“Our candidate fulfilled all the legal requirements under the Presidential Elections Act,” said Jonathan Odur Erute County South MP on behalf of the UPC Parliamentary Committee.
The committee maintained that the decision by the Electoral Commission undermines the principles of multiparty democracy and denies Ugandans the rights to make electoral choices.
“As UPC parliamentary committee, we remain united and committed to struggle for democracy, fairness and the will of of the Ugandan people. We shall not be deterred,” Odur added, noting that they are committed to ensuring restoration of Akena’s candidacy.
Background
UPC, once Uganda’s ruling party under founding leader Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, has in recent years struggled to regain its political dominance. Akena, the son of Obote, has led the party since 2015, but his presidency has been marred by leadership wrangles, including court battles with a faction led by Joseph Bbosa and Olara Otunnu.
In the 2021 elections, UPC did not field a presidential candidate, choosing instead to focus on parliamentary and local government contests where it secured a handful of seats. Akena’s current push to appear on the 2026 ballot is seen by analysts as an attempt to restore UPC’s visibility on the national political stage
The EC has not publicly responded to Akena’s petition. It remains uncertain whether the UPC leader (Akena) will appear on the 2026 presidential ballot.
