Court orders elections for new UPC president after Akena is thrown out of office

The Court of Appeal in Kampala has thrown Jimmy Akena out of the Uganda People’s Congress presidency.

The High Court in 2015 declared that Akena is not the legitimate UPC president and consequently, threw him out office.

However, Akena together with the party’s electoral commission appealed against the decision before the Court of Appeal.

On Monday morning, a panel of three Justices including Elizabeth Musoke, Christopher Izama Madrama and Irene Mulyagonja threw out Akena’s appeal arguing that it had it holds no water.

The judges said it is wrong for Akena to continue carrying out duties of the party yet he is in office illegally since 2015 when the HighCourt threw him out.

“It is now five years down the road and Hon.Akena continues to execute duties of the president of the party , albeit resulting from an illegal process which was quashed in 2015,” the judges said.

The court explained that UPC’s credibility will continue to be soiled if its leadership is not brought into office in conformity with provisions of their constitution ,Political Parties and Organisations Act and the Constitution of Uganda.

“In conclusion, this appeal is dismissed. The members of Uganda People’s Congress should conduct nominations and elect a president in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of Uganda,” Justice Irene Mulyagonja said in her lead judgment.