UPC’s Jimmy Akena apologises and delivers christmas message as EC tests BVVK

17 December 2025, 5:03 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president, Hon. Jimmy Akena, has apologised to anyone who may have been affected by his actions during recent political engagements.

Akena, who had been seeking nomination as a presidential candidate, stated that after realising he had little chance of success, he chose to address the public during a press conference held today at the party headquarters in Kampala.

Speaking to the press, Akena said he believed everyone deserves a chance in life and acknowledged any mistakes he may have made along the way. He also took the opportunity to deliver the party’s Christmas message.

“In life, everyone deserves that one shot. If it is closed, there is nothing to do—life goes on. That is why I apologised for any mistakes I have made. For 29 years of my life, I have been in exile. As Jimmy Akena, even if it means losing everything for Uganda, I am ready. Nothing is free, not even salvation—someone paid for it. Our citizens who are going to vote belong to Uganda collectively. Those entrusted to work on behalf of others should reflect on this. I want Uganda to succeed, and I have done my best. I urge all eligible Ugandans to go and vote. Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous 2026 to everyone,” Akena said.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) today conducted a demonstration of the rechargeable Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) for members of the press at its headquarters in Kampala. According to the Commission, the exercise was successful.

During the mock voting exercise, voters used either a tick or a thumbprint. In the presidential category, candidate A received 11 votes, candidate C received one vote, while candidates D and E received no votes, making candidate A the winner at the mock polling station.

In the Direct Member of Parliament category, candidate A obtained nine votes, candidate B three votes, candidate C two votes, and candidates D and E received no votes. For the Woman Member of Parliament category, candidate A received 12 votes, candidate B five votes, candidates C and D two votes each, candidate E received no votes, and one ballot paper was declared invalid.

The demonstration also included the completion of declaration forms for the various categories. The exercise was led by returning officer Vincent Byamukama, alongside candidates’ representatives, who called on the Electoral Commission to continue educating the public about the voting process.

Additionally, EC Deputy Chairperson Aisha Lubega commended participants for volunteering and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to organising free and fair elections. Addressing concerns about polling stations, she clarified that no new stations would be created.

“There will be no new polling stations. The same locations will be used, although some may be divided. The total number of polling stations remains 109,142. Do not worry about the batteries—we shall have two machines and two batteries at every polling station,” Lubega said.

The Electoral Commission further confirmed that approximately 600 voters will be assigned to each polling station when the general elections begin on 15 January 2026. The Commission also announced changes to the election schedule: workers’ representatives will vote on 19 January 2026, councillors on 30 January 2026, youth representatives on 6 February 2026, and Members of Parliament representing persons with disabilities will be elected between 19 January and 3 February 2026.