The long-running leadership wrangles in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) have once again spilled into the courts, with direct consequences for the party’s participation in the 2026 presidential elections.
On September 24, UPC president Jimmy James Akena appeared before the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala, seeking urgent judicial intervention after the Electoral Commission (EC) barred his nomination as a presidential candidate.
Akena was accompanied by his legal team and Jonathan Odur, Member of Parliament for Erute South and a vocal supporter.
The EC disqualified UPC from the presidential race, citing unresolved leadership disputes within the party.
Rival claims to the party presidency, the Commission argued, rendered Akena’s leadership illegitimate.
Court records further indicate that in an earlier ruling, the High Court found Akena had already served two terms as party president, making his continued stay in office inconsistent with the UPC constitution.
As a result, UPC currently has no recognized presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections.
Akena’s legal team filed three applications—a judicial review, a temporary injunction, and an interim order—all aimed at overturning the EC’s refusal and compelling the Commission to nominate him as the party’s presidential candidate.
The filing process faced complications. The Judiciary’s E-Kimas electronic case management system broke down, delaying proceedings for hours.
The documents were eventually filed, fees paid, and the matter assigned to Justice Namanya, who adjourned the case to September 25 at 9am to review the file and deliver a decision.
What’s at Stake
The ruling is critical not only for Akena’s political future but also for the survival of UPC as a serious player in national politics.
If the court upholds the EC’s decision, UPC will remain without a candidate in the 2026 presidential elections.
Conversely, if an interim order is granted, the EC may be forced to reopen the nomination window and include Akena on the ballot.
Political analysts note that UPC, once Uganda’s ruling party, has been weakened by years of factionalism and legal disputes.
The outcome of this case could either consolidate Akena’s leadership or plunge the party into deeper crisis.
For now, UPC’s hopes rest on Justice Namanya’s decision. Until then, Akena’s fate—and that of his party—hangs in the balance.