Jimmy Akena: I'll stand for president in 2026

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) chief, Jimmy Akena, has expressed interest in the presidency come 2026.

This was during his consultation meeting in Kabale Municipality where he was meeting party leaders from Kabale, Rukiga and Rubanda districts within the Kigezi sub-region.

The UPC president was accompanied by Fred Ebil, the party secretary general, Micheal Orach, principal public relations officer, Sarah Aguti Dokolo Woman MP, and Apio Otuko, Ayam North MP.

Akena held a rally in Kabale town and later he opened up UPC's Kigezi regional offices along Makanga Road.

The last time UPC fielded a presidential candidate was in 2011 elections under the then party president, Olara Otunnu.

Before Amb Otunnu, Akena's mother Miria Kalule Obote became the first woman in Uganda to run for president in the 2006 polls.

Speaking to UPC supporters in the Kigezi, Akena said Ugandans can get proper and improved services under his UPC leadership.

The son of Uganda's founding president and two time leader Milton Obore said he has been in active politics, been participating and understanding how Ugandan politics is being played out adding that he currently knows how the system works.

He cited how UPC was able to win two by-election in the recent Dokolo Woman MP race, stressing that his party now knows how to protect votes.

Asked why UPC party leadership abandoned Kigezi sub-region yet it was a stronghold for the party, Akena said there has been challenges and attack on the leaders of the party over the years which has greatly affected the level of support and mobilisation.

He said his coming to Kigezi and opening up of regional offices is an indication that as party they are ready to restart, reorganise and regain the support.

“We are embarking on reviving, organising and participating fully in 2026 election,” Akena said.

However, he did not explain the paradox of gearing for the presidency yet the party he leads is understood to have entered into a political union with the ruling NRM and President Museveni.

Speaking to NBS, senior political analyst Prof Sabiiti Makara said Akena has a long way in as far as reviving the support the party had in Kigezi Sub-region.

The Uganda People’s Congress is on a nationwide consultative meeting. From Kigezi's Akena's next leg is in Kitgum District.