Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) leader Jimmy Akena has openly urged his supporters to reject President Yoweri Museveni’s bid for another term, marking one of his strongest public breaks with the ruling establishment.
Akena, son of former President Milton Obote, told his base that they should cast their vote for any of the seven presidential contenders, so long as it is not Museveni.
Akena’s frustration stems from his failed attempt to enter the presidential race. Although he picked nomination forms from the Electoral Commission, he was ultimately locked out of the contest following internal disputes within his political party.
The party saw three different figures, including Akena, claiming leadership and collecting nomination papers. The Electoral Commission later disqualified all three, arguing that the unresolved power struggles made it impossible to verify an authentic party flag-bearer.
The UPC, once a dominant political force in Uganda, has in recent years maintained a cooperative relationship with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Akena’s wife has served in Museveni’s government in various ministerial roles, including Kampala, Lands, and most recently Gender, Labour and Social Development. But the alliance appears to be unraveling ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Unlike the Democratic Party under Norbert Mao, which chose not to field a presidential candidate and endorsed Museveni, Akena has taken a sharply different path.
He has refused to back Museveni and instead blames the president for orchestrating his disqualification from the race. “Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is responsible for my disqualification,” Akena said during a meeting with supporters.
“I have told everyone who supported my bid that Museveni made sure I am not on the ballot. Therefore, he should not be the one to benefit from my absence. If you intended to vote for Akena, then do not vote for Museveni,” appealed.
He further advised his followers that if they cannot decide among the seven candidates, they should simply write his name, Jimmy Akena, on the ballot, even if it results in an invalid vote.
According to him, it would serve as a statement against what he called an unfair and politically influenced decision by the Electoral Commission.
Akena also criticized Uganda’s security forces for their heavy-handed treatment of citizens during the electoral period. He condemned what he described as unjust violence, reminding officers that they too remain part of the Ugandan community.
“We are all Ugandans. When the elections are over, we will still be living in the same country. I have witnessed people trained to protect Ugandans turning that training against civilians. That is wrong,” he said.
Akena’s stance signals a rare and bold confrontation with President Museveni from a political figure who has, for years, been viewed as an NRM ally. With the 2026 election fast approaching, his message adds a new layer of tension to Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
