UPC sets special interest groups election dates, urges EC to boost sensitisation

9 April 2025, 5:00 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has officially released its program for the upcoming elections scheduled to take place in June 2025.

Speaking to journalists during the party’s weekly press conference held at the headquarters in Kampala, the party spokesperson, Ms. Sharon Arach Oyat, confirmed that UPC members intending to participate in the elections of Special Interest Group Committees specifically under the categories of older persons, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth—must adhere to the relevant guidelines. If the aspirant is a civil servant, they are required to resign by Monday, April 28, 2025, as nominations are scheduled for June 2, 2025, and polling will take place on June 16, 2025.

“UPC is calling upon all members who fall under these categories to take note of the designated dates and prepare accordingly especially the 28th of April 2025, which is the deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate. This step is crucial, as some leaders in the recent past have lost positions due to noncompliance with this requirement. We would not want any of our leaders to suffer the same fate when there is ample time to take action,” Arach emphasised.

She further stated that UPC leaders at all levels of the party structure, particularly youth and PWD leaders, are encouraged to intensify mobilisation efforts and register potential candidates interested in carrying the party flag in the upcoming elections. In areas where more than one aspiring candidate emerges, the party will first attempt to reach a consensus to determine the flag bearer. However, if consensus fails, UPC will organise free and fair primaries in those electoral areas to allow members to elect a candidate of their choice.

“The party is in the final stages of updating its electoral roadmap in preparation for the 2025/2026 general elections, following adjustments in the national electoral roadmap by the Electoral Commission (EC). The EC should double its efforts in sensitising the public about electoral activities, especially those concerning special interest groups, as well as fulfilling its mandate of civic education,” she noted.

“In the meantime, we call upon party leaders and members at all levels to continue mobilising and registering new members. This activity was officially launched by the party president, Hon. Jimmy Akena, earlier this year,” she added.

The party also congratulated the UPC Youth League, led by National Youth Leader Dan Isimbwa, for winning the Inter-Party Youth League Football Tournament 2025 trophy in Luweero district.