By Spy Uganda
The High Court has dismissed a petition by Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy James Akena, upholding the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to disqualify him from contesting in the 2026 presidential elections on the party’s ticket.
Akena, son of former President Milton Obote, had sought to compel the EC to include his name on the ballot after he was struck off during the nomination exercise. The Commission disqualified him alongside Adim Dennis Enapu, arguing that neither was eligible to hold the UPC party card required for nomination under the party’s constitution.
In a ruling delivered via email, Justice Bernard Namanya said Akena’s petition was filed after the nomination period had already closed, making it legally untenable.
The controversy traces back to deepening internal divisions within UPC. Akena’s leadership term reportedly expired without formal renewal by the party’s governing organs. Both the EC and UPC factions opposed to his leadership maintain that this lapse automatically disqualified him from standing as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
While striking out his petition, Justice Namanya clarified that UPC remains free to field candidates for other elective positions, including Members of Parliament, even as the broader leadership dispute continues in court.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Muchunguzi said the ruling is under review.
“We are still studying the decision and will issue a comprehensive statement to guide stakeholders on the way forward,” he noted.
The ruling effectively sidelines Akena from the presidential race, compounding uncertainty within UPC as it struggles with leadership legitimacy ahead of the 2026 general elections. Analysts warn that unless the party resolves its internal disputes, it risks entering the polls divided and weakened.
