In a bid to reclaim the political spotlight, Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) chief, Jimmy Akena, has thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency in the upcoming 2026 elections. Akena made this announcement during a consultation meeting in Kabale Municipality, where he met party leaders from Kabale, Rukiga, and Rubanda districts within the Kigezi sub-region.
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 addressed a rally in Kabale town before officially opening UPC's Kigezi regional offices along Makanga Road.
The Uganda People's Congress, under Akena's leadership, is eyeing a return to the presidential race after its last bid in the 2011 elections under the leadership of then-party president, Olara Otunnu. Akena's mother, Miria Kalule Obote, also made history as the first woman in Uganda to run for president in the 2006 polls.
During his address to UPC supporters in Kigezi, Akena expressed confidence in his leadership abilities, promising improved services for Ugandans under UPC's leadership.
"I have been in active politics, participating, and understanding how Ugandan politics is played out. I currently know how the system works," he stated.
Akena highlighted UPC's recent successes in the Dokolo Woman MP by-election, emphasizing the party's improved ability to protect votes. He acknowledged challenges and attacks on party leaders over the years, which had affected the party's support and mobilization in the region.
He stated, "We are embarking on reviving, organizing, and participating fully in the 2026 election," signaling the party's commitment to regain lost ground.
However, Akena faced questions about UPC's political alignment, as the party is understood to have entered into a political union with the ruling NRM and President Museveni. Responding to this, Akena did not provide a clear explanation but affirmed the party's readiness to restart, reorganize, and regain support.
Commenting on Jimmy Akena's political ambitions, senior political analyst Prof Sabiiti Makara stated that Akena had a long way to go in reviving the party's support in the Kigezi sub-region.
UPC's nationwide consultative meeting will see Akena's next stop in Kitgum District, as the party aims to strengthen its position ahead of the 2026 elections.
Jimmy Akena Obote, born September 25, 1967 is a Uganda politician, and the son of Milton Obote and Miria Obote. Akena is a Member of Parliament representing Lira Municipality. During the first coup d'etat of Idi Amin. Akena spent his first five years in exile in Tanzania from 1971 to 1980.
Jimmy Akena Obote contested for Lira municipality Member of Parliament in 2006 immediately after his return from exile in 2005 under the flag of UPC which is a political party founded by his late father and won the elections that year. Since then he continued to retain the position in 2011,2016 and the recent elections of 2021
