UPC president urges government to uphold political parties Act

14 May 2025, 6:23 pm

By Ronald Ssmagonja

The President General of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, Hon. Jimmy Akena, during the party’s weekly press conference held today at the party headquarters in Kampala, raised concerns about governance in the country particularly by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. Akena criticised the lack of inclusivity in leadership, despite earlier agreements that all political parties should participate in governing the country.

Citing Section 20B (1) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005 (as amended), Akena reminded the public that there should be an assembly of political parties represented in Parliament, known as the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD). Subsection 2(c) of the same law stipulates that the IPOD Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Summit on the recommendation of the Council of Secretaries General. The Secretariat is tasked with running the day-to-day operations of IPOD.

However, Akena noted that this framework has not been functioning, even in moments of clear necessity. He revealed that on April 2, 2024, he wrote to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss various pressing issues but the meeting was never convened.

“Subject to Article 14A subsection (b) of the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Act, 2010, which provides for the funding of political parties on an equal basis during elections, and bearing in mind that Parliament is the final authority in the budgeting process, I kindly request you, Hon. Minister, to convene an urgent meeting between the heads of political parties and the Independent Electoral Commission,” the letter reads.

Akena emphasised that the purpose of the proposed meeting was to devise mechanisms for implementing Article 14A (b) of the Amendment Act, which mandates the government to finance political organisations and parties equally during elections. He stressed the importance of this ahead of the 2025/2026 general elections.

He further noted that the provisions highlighted have never been implemented since they came into force, and he called on the government to respect and enforce the law.

In conclusion, Akena reminded the nation that he intends to contest for the presidency in the 2026 general elections.