Jimmy Akena, President of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC), has called for free and fair Local Council (LC1 and LC2) elections, warning that Uganda’s democratic space continues to shrink ahead of the polls.
Addressing the media, Akena said UPC will participate in the upcoming LC1 and LC2 elections but stressed that the process must be transparent and credible.
He expressed concern over restrictions on political activities, noting that even community prayers and open meetings are being blocked in some areas.
“We are going into an election period, but the environment does not reflect a free and democratic process,” Akena said.
“There must be dialogue and meaningful national conversation to ensure that Ugandans can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.”
He urged the Electoral Commission to guarantee that all voting systems, including BVVK machines, function properly to avoid irregularities.
Turning to national leadership, Akena delivered a pointed message to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accusing the government under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) of neglecting the needs of ordinary Ugandans.
He questioned how the President could publicly ask about missing drugs in hospitals while citizens continue to die without proper medical care.
“People are dying in hospitals without treatment, yet the government appears disconnected from the realities on the ground,” he said.
“The NRM should work for the people of Uganda, not pretend to work for them.”
Akena further called on President Museveni to listen to alternative views and policy proposals from other political leaders, saying constructive ideas should not be ignored simply because they come from the opposition.
Reacting to what he described as “falsities” about UPC’s history, Akena reaffirmed that UPC won the 1980 general elections and cautioned Ugandans against being misled about the party’s legacy.
He noted that despite challenges in the 2026 elections, UPC managed to secure 12 Members of Parliament, demonstrating its continued relevance in Uganda’s political landscape.
He also said UPC had comprehensive plans for national development but faced obstacles, including not being given the opportunity to appear on the ballot paper in certain instances.
“We had plans for this country, but we were not given a fair opportunity to present ourselves fully to the electorate,” he said.
Akena concluded by reiterating UPC’s commitment to participating in the upcoming elections while demanding electoral justice, institutional accountability and a genuine democratic process for all Ugandans.
