Jimmy Akena Obote officially declares presidential bid, pledges to restore Uganda’s glory

15 August 2025, 2:31 pm

By Eman yonah oruk

In a landmark political development, Jimmy Michael Akena Obote, son of Uganda’s founding president, Dr Apollo Milton Obote, has officially collected the presidential interest form from the Electoral Commission, signalling his intention to contest in the 2026 general election.

The announcement was made earlier today during a formal delegation visit to the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, led by Dr Eunice Apio Otuku, Member of Parliament for Oyam North Constituency. A long-standing advocate of Akena’s leadership, Dr Apio reaffirmed the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) commitment to fielding a presidential candidate, signalling a bold revival of the party’s national ambitions.

“Today is a historic moment for our party and for Uganda. We believe in Jimmy Akena’s vision and leadership to deliver transformative change,” Dr Apio declared.

She passionately called on the people of the Lango sub-region, and the entire country, to rally behind Akena in the 2026 elections, emphasising his readiness to address long-standing challenges in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other critical sectors.

Akena is expected to return his completed nomination form in September to be officially confirmed as a presidential candidate.

Currently serving as UPC President, Akena has been undertaking a nationwide consultative tour, reorganising party structures and building grassroots support. His presidential ambitions were first declared during a rally in Kabale, where he was joined by key party figures, including Fred Ebil, Michael Orach, Sarah Aguti (Dokolo Woman MP), and Dr Apio Otuku.

This marks the UPC’s return to the presidential race after more than a decade, the last candidate being Olara Otunnu in 2011. Notably, Akena’s mother, Miria Kalule Obote, made history as the first woman to contest for the presidency in Uganda in 2006.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, Jimmy Akena Obote’s candidacy is set to reshape Uganda’s political landscape, reigniting the UPC’s legacy and offering a fresh vision for national renewal.