The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has moved to stamp out what it describes as growing attempts to undermine the party’s leadership, with its National Council firmly reaffirming Hon. Jimmy James Akena as the legitimate party president and warning that individuals masquerading as UPC leaders will be held personally accountable for their actions.
The resolutions were announced following an extraordinary hybrid meeting of the National Council held on June 13, 2026, bringing together party leaders from across the country both physically at UPC headquarters in Kampala and virtually. The meeting attracted UPC Members of Parliament, members of the party cabinet, district chairpersons, women and youth leaders, representatives of persons with disabilities, and workers’ leaders.
Addressing journalists, UPC spokesperson Sharon Oyat Arach said the council unanimously recognized Akena’s leadership and commended him for steering the party through what members described as a difficult and highly contested 2026 General Election.
While maintaining its position that the election did not meet the standards of a democratic process, the party credited Akena’s efforts for enabling UPC to secure parliamentary representation and emerge as the third-largest political party in Parliament, in addition to winning several local government positions across the country.
The council resolved that Akena remains the lawful and constitutional president of the party and warned that any individual claiming to lead UPC without the mandate of the Delegates’ Conference would bear personal responsibility for any resulting actions.
Delegates also adopted and forwarded the party president’s report on the status of UPC to the Delegates’ Conference for further discussion and policy direction.
The council further endorsed UPC’s continued participation in the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), arguing that political dialogue remains essential for promoting democracy, national cohesion, and peaceful engagement among political actors.
In another key resolution, the party leadership was directed to take stronger measures to protect UPC’s identity, including its flags, logos, symbols, official documents, and letterheads. Members raised concerns about unauthorized individuals allegedly using party regalia and branding to issue directives and communicate on behalf of the party.
To gather additional views from members, the council established a 14-day consultation period during which delegates can submit recommendations in writing, audio, or video format to the Office of the Secretary General. The submissions will be compiled and presented to the Delegates’ Conference for consideration and possible action.
The resolutions signal UPC’s determination to consolidate party unity, defend its institutional structures, and assert its leadership as it charts its course following the 2026 General.
