By KT Reporter
Jimmy James Michael Akena, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president, has vowed never to return to exile despite his recent disqualification from contesting in the 2026 general elections. Akena, the first son of former President Apollo Milton Obote, made the remarks on Friday while addressing hundreds of supporters, party leaders, and well-wishers who gathered at Abeibuti Cell in Akokoro Town Council, Apac District, to mark the 20th anniversary of his late father.
Speaking with strong emotions, Akena said the time for change had come, warning that his patience and calmness should not be mistaken for defeat. “There are people who are talking about reconciliation, meeting of first sons. They say August, we are now in October so whatever happens, but we are moving ahead. I am not going back to exile,” Akena declared. Relating his perseverance to Uganda’s sportsmen and women who excel despite limited support, Akena likened his current political struggle to their resilience. He said he is prepared for the race, insisting that his ideas will not be silenced.
Akena also explained why he chose not to publicly protest what he termed as “unfair treatment” by the government during the official opening of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) games at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
And people think I’m defeated…..watch this space. I will find opportunities to make my point be heard because what you’re doing to me is wrong!” Akena lamented. He went on to rally party leaders and members to embark on mass recruitment and voter mobilization ahead of the forthcoming elections, promising his full support to all UPC flagbearers. “So our task number one is to recruit. Four hundred and fifty thousand is not enough, so we must recruit and recruit and recruit. That’s the order I’m giving to all congressmen. Go and recruit.”
“You are not fighting a fair war, and you must win emphatically to win. That is what we are preparing for. I have not blinked, I have not turned, and I am not going anywhere. So if they are going to stop me, the only place they are taking me is here,” he said, pointing at his burial spot. Earlier, some party leaders had tasked Akena to give them a clear way forward following the interim injunction issued by court.
The confusion and conflict within the UPC largely stem from a long-standing leadership dispute between factions led by Olara Otunnu and Jimmy Akena, which has resulted in parallel party structures and conflicting roadmaps, leaving many members uncertain about which leadership to follow.
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