UPC leader Jimmy Akena urges supporters to deny Museveni votes in 2026 polls

11 November 2025, 11:18 am

By Frank Oyugi

In a resounding call to action ahead of the 2026 general elections, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has explicitly instructed party flag bearers and supporters to withhold their votes from incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, branding his long-standing promises as “deliberate lies” designed for political survival.

Speaking at the launch of UPC’s 2026-2031 manifesto in Lira City on Sunday, Akena dismissed Museveni’s repeated pledges to compensate northern Ugandans for war-related losses—particularly the cattle compensation issue—as empty rhetoric that has left communities in perpetual poverty. “Every election, the president comes with the same lie of compensation. The total loss affecting our communities is in trillions. Lives were destroyed in the camps, and yet the rightful claimants have never received what they deserve,” Akena declared to a crowd of enthusiastic party members, candidates, and local residents.

The event, attended by UPC flag bearers from across the country, marked a bold revitalisation effort for the historic party, which Akena positioned as the true champion of justice and equality in a nation weary of unfulfilled promises. He accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of betraying northern Uganda for nearly four decades, exploiting regional suffering as a “political bargaining tool” while enriching a small elite.

Akena, who recently faced setbacks in his own presidential nomination bid—blaming interference from Museveni—challenged the president to a public debate in Lira, vowing to lead the opposition charge despite reported threats and arrests targeting dissenters. “For nearly 40 years, we have seen promises recycled, the same speeches repeated, and the same excuses made. Our people are tired. They deserve better,” he said. “I am ready for change. Some of us are being threatened, and we have colleagues who are being jailed, but we shall not give up. Uganda belongs to all of us, not to a few individuals.”

The manifesto launch doubled as a strategic rally, with Akena urging candidates to “be bold, be direct, and speak the truth to power” by focusing on local grievances. He emphasised that UPC’s votes would be reserved exclusively for the party’s yet-to-be-announced presidential flag bearer, signaling a unified front against the ruling NRM. “You candidates must capitalise on the issues affecting the locals. Our mission today is to ensure the next generation enjoys this Uganda. We must work hard to ensure there are no second-class citizens in this country.

Background: Akena’s defiance amid political turbulence

Akena’s fiery address comes amid heightened pre-election tensions, following his earlier accusations that Museveni orchestrated his exclusion from the UPC presidential race in October. In a parliamentary plea and subsequent statements, Akena decried the “frustrating” tactics of the NRM, vowing to transform personal setbacks into a broader movement for change.

The UPC, once a dominant force in Ugandan politics under the late Milton Obote, has sought to reclaim relevance in recent years under Akena’s leadership. Analysts view the Lira launch—strategically held in a northern stronghold—as a calculated move to consolidate support in opposition-leaning regions disillusioned with Museveni’s 39-year rule.

As Uganda gears up for the 2026 polls, Akena’s unequivocal rejection of Museveni signals deepening divisions in the opposition landscape. “UPC believes in leadership that listens to the people, not leadership that uses power to silence them. We are building a movement for truth, fairness, and shared prosperity,” he concluded, drawing cheers from the audience.

The ruling NRM has yet to respond to Akena’s debate challenge or criticisms, but with elections approaching, the rhetoric is expected to intensify. For now, Akena’s message is clear: no votes for the status quo.