UPCs Akena opposed to single opposition candidate

CAPTION: UPC president Jimmy AKena.
By David Mwanga
KAMPALA – The President of the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Jimmy Akena has distanced himself from a single opposition candidate to contest in the next presidential and general elections scheduled for 2026.
“As long as what has happened in the previous elections where even if you put together the opposition and it does not reach 50 per cent, to me it does not add value at the presidential level, I don’t see the necessity of featuring one presidential candidate,” he said on January 22, 2025, during the party’s weekly media briefing.
“I see the necessity of coming together and sorting ourselves out at the parliamentary level and below but not at presidential because the presidential election is a fifty plus one, so in simple terms, I am not for a single opposition candidate,” he said at the presser held at Uganda House, the party’s headquarters.
He revealed that the party is focused on ensuring full participation across the board, from the presidential race to local government positions.
He however highlighted the importance of meeting the constitutional requirement of a “50 plus” majority to secure victory.
“The formula requires a candidate to win by an absolute majority. As UPC, we are prepared to meet this challenge,” he said. He emphasized that the UPC is committed to strengthening its democratic processes through primaries, which will give aspiring candidates an opportunity to present themselves and compete fairly.
“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.”
Akena further announced his intention to run for president of Uganda in 2026, affirming his commitment 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 said.
The selection process for special interest groups is set to commence in June, as the party works toward building an inclusive platform ahead of the elections.
In addition to national preparations, the UPC is also focused on local elections, including the upcoming by-election in Kawempe. According to Akena, the candidate for the by-election will be selected through the party’s structures, and he pledged his support for whoever is endorsed by the party.
“I am willing to support the candidate chosen by the party structure,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective decision-making within the party.
The UPC’s announcements come as political parties across the country ramp up preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 general elections. With a focus on inclusion, internal democracy, and strategic planning, the UPC is positioning itself as a key contender in Uganda’s political landscape.