Lira, Uganda | September 21, 2025 – The Electoral Commission (EC), chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has halted the nomination of aspirants seeking to contest for presidency under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), citing that the party currently has no legally recognized president.
The decision, announced on September 20, 2025, effectively blocks Jimmy Akena Obote — the Lira City East Division MP — from standing as UPC’s presidential candidate in the upcoming general election.
In swift response, Akena filed a case in court, challenging the EC’s decision and expressing dissatisfaction over the move, which he described as politically motivated and unjust.
The legal battle has sparked strong reactions from UPC leadership at the grassroots level. In a meeting held yesterday in Lira City, leaders from parishes, divisions, and the Lira City executive committee resolved to support Akena’s court petition and denounced the Electoral Commission’s actions.
Simon Opio Okaka, UPC Chairperson for Lira City, condemned the EC’s decision, stating that it undermines democratic principles and the will of UPC supporters.
“We have resolved that if Jimmy Akena is not nominated, the UPC will not support or vote for any other presidential candidate. We will boycott the presidential election,” Opio said during the press briefing.
He emphasized that the party views the EC’s move as an attempt to silence UPC’s voice in the national political arena, warning that sidelining Akena could spark further legal and political consequences.
The UPC leadership is now awaiting the court’s verdict, which is expected to determine whether Akena’s nomination will be allowed to proceed.
