UPC’s Jimmy Akena Says Ballot Exclusion Denied Voters Opportunity to Assess His Agenda

By Jumah Kakomo

Jimmy Akena, president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has said his exclusion from the presidential ballot by the Electoral Commission denied Ugandans the opportunity to evaluate his proposals for economic and social reform.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Kampala, Akena said that upon reflecting on the recent elections, he believes the greater loss was not merely the outcome of the vote but what he described as the public’s inability to hear and assess his vision for the country.

“The biggest tragedy wasn’t just the outcome,” Akena said. “It was the fact that the people of Uganda were denied the chance to hear our ideas and decide whether they were worth supporting.”

Akena said his manifesto included proposals aimed at strengthening the economy, improving healthcare services and expanding access to quality education. He added that the party had also developed plans focused on youth empowerment, agricultural support and combating corruption.

“The Electoral Commission decided I wouldn’t appear on the ballot, and with that, our message was limited,” he said. “Voters did not get the opportunity to determine for themselves whether our agenda was viable.”

Court Rulings and Eligibility Dispute

Akena was blocked from contesting the presidency following internal disputes within the UPC and court rulings that questioned his eligibility to lead the party. The Electoral Commission cited previous court decisions, including one that declared Akena’s nomination as UPC party president “illegal, null and void” on grounds that he had already served two terms.

His legal attempts to challenge the decision were unsuccessful, with the High Court upholding the Commission’s position. Akena expressed disappointment with the 2026 election results, stating that the UPC might have performed better had he and other affected candidates been allowed to appear on the ballot.

Position on the 12th Parliament Speakership

Separately, Akena clarified that the UPC has not endorsed any candidate for Speaker of Uganda’s 12th Parliament.

He said the party is looking forward to leadership that understands the responsibilities of the office and prioritizes service delivery and accountability. According to Akena, some recent parliamentary leaders have, in the party’s view, placed personal interests above the needs of citizens.

He emphasized that the UPC remains committed to advocating its policies and ensuring its views are represented in national discourse despite recent electoral challenges.

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