Jimmy Akena Declares 2026 Presidential Run As UPC Maps Out Comprehensive 2025 Election Strategy

By Gad Masereka

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has unveiled the party’s comprehensive plans for the 2025 general elections, emphasizing inclusivity and active participation at all levels of leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing held on January 22, 2025, at Uganda House in Kampala, Akena outlined strategies to strengthen internal democracy and ensure robust representation nationwide.

Akena revealed that UPC is preparing to field candidates for all elective positions, from the presidential level to local government. He highlighted the party’s commitment to fairness by conducting primaries to allow aspiring candidates to compete in a structured manner. “We are preparing and filling candidates across the board from the presidential level all the way down,” Akena said. “We shall go through a process of primaries to allow time for people to show themselves and compete in a structured manner.”

The UPC president also confirmed his intention to contest in the 2026 presidential elections, pledging to support whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer. “I have made it clear that in 2026 I am running for president of Uganda, and whoever wins the seat for the party flag, I will support him or her under UPC,” Akena stated.

In addition to the party’s internal preparations, Akena called on the Electoral Commission to extend the timeline for voter registration and updates, particularly to accommodate young people.

He argued that the current 21-day exercise, which runs until February 10, 2025, is insufficient to capture all eligible voters. “Why are you cutting off all of these young Ugandans who should have an opportunity to vote?” Akena asked, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in determining the country’s future leadership.

He pledged to engage stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), to push for an extension of the registration period. “I am going to use everything within the means available and call upon IPOD and other institutions to let Ugandans determine their own future,” Akena affirmed.

On the upcoming Kawempe North by-election, Akena noted that the party has yet to identify a candidate but assured support for any member endorsed through the UPC’s structures. “I am willing to support the candidate chosen by the party structure,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of collective decision-making.

Akena’s remarks coincided with concerns raised by other political leaders, including Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, about the limited time allocated for voter registration. The Electoral Commission maintains that the exercise is crucial for generating a credible National Voters Register, essential for participation in elections as voters, candidates, agents, or petitioners in election matters.