By Spy Uganda
Kampala | 19th July 2025 — Hon. Jimmy James Michael Akena has formally welcomed the High Court ruling that declared his nomination for a third term as party president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) illegal and without legal basis.
Speaking at a press briefing held this morning at Uganda House, Akena said: “I want to record that I welcome this ruling. I also want to go on record that I’m not going to challenge this ruling by appealing it.”
The ruling, delivered on 18th July 2025 by Justice Bernard Namanya, held that Akena’s fresh nomination for the 2025–2030 term contravened the UPC party constitution, specifically Article 14.1 (3). The judge found that the party’s decision to nominate Akena was unlawful, issued an order of certiorari quashing the nomination, and granted an injunction restraining the UPC from further nominating him. Each party was ordered to bear its own legal costs.
This marks a significant legal setback for Akena, who has been at the center of numerous intra-party legal battles over his controversial grip on the UPC presidency. For years, he has faced accusations of clinging to power and overriding internal party structures—often in defiance of court orders. This latest decision reaffirms a growing legal consensus against his extended tenure at the helm of the once-powerful party founded by his father, former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote.
Despite the blow, Akena chose a reconciliatory tone, saying he draws satisfaction from the court’s recognition of his ongoing term until its expiration. He announced that he has convened a special delegates’ conference slated for 26th July 2025 in Kamdini, Northern Gateway, to deliberate on the party’s next course of action.
“Only party delegates can determine the next steps for UPC and my political journey,” Akena said.
When asked about a possible return to Parliament, where he once represented Lira Municipality, Akena firmly dismissed the idea: “I am done with being an MP.” Instead, he hinted at a loftier ambition: the national presidency—but stopped short of declaring a formal bid, stressing that any such decision would rest with UPC’s delegates.
Observers say Akena’s defiance of past court decisions, coupled with his now court-barred third term ambition, has significantly eroded internal party democracy and damaged UPC’s credibility. Whether the special delegates’ conference will provide a democratic reset or deepen internal divisions remains to be seen.
Key Rulings from the Judgment:
1. Akena’s 2025–2030 nomination as UPC president is illegal, null, and void.
2. The court quashed UPC’s decision to nominate him.
3. A permanent injunction restrains UPC from nominating him again for the same term.
4. Each party will bear its own legal costs.
