The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has strongly reaffirmed its position as a political organization separate from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The party President Jimmy Akena insisted that no alliance can prevent UPC from presenting its own candidates.

During a press conference held on May 26th, 2026, at the party headquarter on Uganda House, Akena appeared alongside several UPC legislators in the 12th Parliament.

He explained that although UPC remains open to constructive cooperation, the party cannot accept what he termed “subjugation.”

“Alliance does not mean I cannot field a candidate. When I choose to field a candidate, I will field my candidate and I do not need permission,” Akena said.

Akena disclosed that there is presently no formal written agreement governing the relationship between UPC and NRM, but rather a flexible working alliance.

He stated that UPC has already developed a framework intended to guide sober engagements while recognizing the two parties as independent entities.

Akena also introduced a housing policy framework designed to tackle Uganda’s housing shortage estimated at 2.4 million units. The initiative focuses on workers earning between UGX 700,000 and UGX 1 million monthly, including teachers, nurses, police officers and soldiers, to help them acquire homes within seven years through modular container-based housing technology.

“Test my ideas. If I’m talking nonsense, rubbish them. If it’s making sense, treat me with respect,” he noted.

Regarding corruption, Akena welcomed the recent action taken against former parliamentary leaders but noted that he remains unsatisfied.

He also congratulated the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker and encouraged them to rise above political activism while serving all Ugandans equally.

UPC legislator Fred Jalameso representing Ajuri County added that the new parliamentary leadership presents “rays of hope” when compared to the previous Parliament.