The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has plunged into deep internal crisis following the sacking of three senior Electoral Commission officials by party president Jimmy Akena, just days before the party’s crucial delegates’ conference and amid an ongoing legal battle over his leadership.
Vice Chairperson Jack Kabuusu and commissioners Magere Emmanuel and Aisha Naomi Natukunda were dismissed after they submitted a controversial “Certificate of Declaration” to the national Electoral Commission, declaring city lawyer Denis Adim Enap as the new UPC president, effectively attempting to replace Akena.
The declaration, signed on Monday, sparked immediate backlash from Akena, who accused the commissioners of breaching the party constitution and grossly overstepping their mandate.
“The constitutional role of the party Electoral Commission is to process candidates from Member of Parliament downward. It does not have a specific role concerning the presidency,” Akena stated.
He further criticized the commissioners for bypassing formal channels of communication within the party. “Communication between the UPC and the Electoral Commission is done in a systematic and organized way through specific officers, not just anyone,” he added.
This internal revolt comes at a time when Akena’s leadership is under legal scrutiny. Last week, the High Court, presided over by Justice Bernard Namanya, nullified his nomination for a third term as party president, ruling that it contravened Article 14.1(3) of the UPC Constitution. The article limits the presidency to two terms, unless the officeholder has become Uganda’s national president—something Akena has not achieved.
The court decision, which stemmed from a petition filed by Denis Adim Enap, not only blocked Akena’s third-term bid but also left the party’s upcoming election in disarray, further weakening his grip on power.
Despite the ruling, Akena has forged ahead with preparations for the national delegates’ conference scheduled for this Saturday, where UPC is expected to choose its presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections. He has publicly confirmed his interest in contesting.
“I don’t mind competition. Anyone who believes they are best placed to lead UPC into 2026 is free to come and present themselves before the delegates,” he said.
However, the latest events have deepened divisions within the party. The dismissed commissioners had reportedly gone further to disqualify another presidential aspirant, a move that has caused confusion and anger among party members.
“What is disturbing party members is the messaging — outrageous and fictitious claims are circulating. It’s hurting morale and cohesion,” Akena said.
He dismissed claims that he is using his position to sideline rivals, stating that his only interventions have been in response to procedural violations. “I have stayed away from interfering with the Electoral Commission’s operational work, except in cases where internal protocol is breached,” he said.
