The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) faces an uncertain future after party president Jimmy Akena was barred by the Electoral Commission (EC) from contesting in the 2026 general elections, a decision that has sparked legal battles and renewed debate about the party’s direction.
Akena has filed a legal challenge against the EC, accusing Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama of undermining democracy and insisting he has a right to appear on the presidential ballot.
The court ruling on his petition is expected on Tuesday next week.
However, political analysts in the Kigezi sub-region argue that even if the court rules in Akena’s favor, the EC is unlikely to adjust its election calendar, given that presidential campaigns officially begin on Monday.
This, they say, renders Akena’s prospects of entering the race highly uncertain.
Prof. Sabiti Makara, a political analyst, advised that Akena should use the setback as an opportunity to rebuild UPC’s structures.
“The party should create space for alternative leaders, leveraging its legacy and strong backing in certain areas to revitalize itself,” he said, suggesting that UPC focus resources on strengthening its parliamentary and local government presence.
Robert Kakuru, another analyst from Kigezi, warned that the party risks sliding into leaderless disarray.
“Akena’s failure to follow the party’s constitution is what led to his nomination being questioned and eventually blocked,” Kakuru noted, stressing the need for internal reforms.
The EC’s decision to exclude Akena stems from a court ruling that nullified his election as UPC president for the 2026–2031 term, declaring it illegal and void.
As the 2026 presidential campaigns kick off, UPC’s fate now hinges on Tuesday’s court ruling.
Whether or not Akena is cleared to contest, analysts say the party must urgently resolve its leadership disputes to remain politically relevant in Uganda’s changing landscape.
