The President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena has vowed to renew his efforts to seek the Electoral Commission (EC) approval to officially join the 2026 Presidential race.
Akena, who was addressing journalists on October 29th, 2025, at Uganda House, decried the decision of the EC. He questioned validity of the Presidential Elections Act in handling his matter.
The Presidential Elections Act, 2005 (of Uganda) serves the primary law that regulates the election of the President of Uganda.
According to the Law, this Act is meant to establish the legal framework for a free and fair presidential election process, from the initial qualifications of candidates to the final declaration of results and legal challenges.
“Am I outside the Presidential Elections Act? No. Was I thrown out of the Presidential Elections Act, definitely, Yes!” Akena questioned.
“It is wrong, that is why I continue to fight, I continue to seek justice so that I am restored so that I can be able to put my message to the people of Uganda,” he added.
Akena also dismissed attempts to politicize the recent visit by National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi to the grave of former President Apollo Milton Obote in Akokoro, Apac District.
“That is outdated and divisive, those pushing the fire were simply afraid of my growing political relevance, I know who they are, they are the ones who trying to make sure that Akena cannot be on the ballot, they want to polarize society,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to focus on building a unified future rather than resurrecting past divisions before calling for honest elections and transparency in the political process.
Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission had disqualified Akena and Adim Dennis Enapu during the nomination exercise for presidential aspirants, arguing that neither was eligible to hold the UPC party card required to stand as flag bearer under the party’s constitution.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Muchunguzi said the Commission is still reviewing the ruling and will communicate its official position to stakeholders.
