LIRA CITY: Top leaders of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) in the Lango sub-region have thrown their weight behind party president Jimmy Akena, endorsing him as their preferred flag bearer for the 2026 presidential race.
The declaration was made during a high-level regional summit held in Lira City, drawing together UPC district chairpersons, Local Council 5 leaders, and party flag bearers from across the sub-region.
William Onyanga, UPC's National Mobiliser, described the endorsement as a defining moment in Uganda’s political history, calling Akena “a gallant son of the region” and the only leader capable of restoring dignity, democracy, and development across the country.
"This makes Akena Jimmy a golden figure presenting himself for a very powerful office, the presidency. Uganda is blessed to have the son of a former president offer himself at such a critical time," Onyanga said.
Onyanga, who also declared his intention to run for the Lira District LC5 seat in 2026, emphasised Akena’s readiness for national leadership, citing his two decades in Parliament and deep understanding of Uganda’s policy landscape.
"With Akena in State House, Uganda will have a president who values the press, delivers quality social services, and ends the poverty that forces people to eat one meal a day," he added.
Chris Ongom, UPC’s Regional Secretary for Lango, said the leaders had convened to officially declare their position ahead of the party’s upcoming national delegate conference.
He said the endorsement was not spontaneous but a result of years of strategic groundwork and grassroots mobilisation.
“From 2006, when Jimmy joined Parliament, he began preparing not just himself but the entire UPC structure for this moment. This is a leadership journey built over time,” Ongom said.
According to Ongom, Akena has been engaging with communities across the country, from western Uganda to Karamoja, building momentum, and party support ahead of the elections.
Geoffrey Ocen, LC5 Chairperson of Amolatar District, said Akena’s leadership is the only hope for restoring the livelihoods of people who lost cattle and economic independence, especially in Northern Uganda.
“We used to sell cows to pay school fees and medical bills. Now that wealth is gone. But with Akena, we believe we can reclaim our dignity and rebuild our communities,” said Ocen.
He urged voters to rally behind Akena, whom he described as a unifying figure capable of addressing historical injustices and revamping critical sectors like health, education, and governance.
The endorsement comes at a time when the UPC party is positioning itself to reclaim national relevance. Party leaders emphasised their goal of winning not only the presidency but also a majority in Parliament and key local government positions.
Jimmy Akena, currently a member of Parliament for Lira City East Division, formally declared his presidential bid last year, solidifying his place as the UPC flag bearer in the 2026 general election.