By KT Reporter
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has applied for a judicial review, challenging a ruling by the Electoral Commission EC stopping the party from presenting a candidate for nomination for the 2026 presidential elections. UPC President Jimmy James Michael Akena announced the decision on Tuesday evening.
The party seeks to compel the EC to nominate Akena, arguing that he has fulfilled all the legal requirements.“We have interrogated the law and have not found anywhere any basis for him to be disqualified,” Akena said. Jonathon Odur, the Erute South Member of Parliament and a member of UPC’s legal team, explained that the party also wants court to open a fresh window for Akena’s nomination.
On Saturday, September 20th, 2025, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the EC Chairperson, wrote to UPC barring the party from fronting a presidential candidate in the 2026 elections. He argued that none of the nominated candidates was recognized as a flag bearer in law and fact. Akena, however, rejected the decision, saying it denies UPC its constitutional right to field a presidential candidate.
He maintained that the party had complied with all constitutional and electoral requirements, including obtaining endorsements for its flagbearer. Akena further argued that the EC’s decision was “intended not only to undermine the sanctity of the constitution but also to subvert the Uganda People’s Congress and its constitutional right to participate in the presidential race.” He called on members to remain calm and continue mobilizing ahead of the 2026 elections.
“As we are handling this matter at hand, I want to inform the entire membership and general public that all our flag bearers for Member of Parliament are set for nomination next month,” he added. Meanwhile, the UPC Parliamentary Committee released a statement condemning what it described as the “unjust” disqualification of Akena.
“UPC Parliamentary Committee is deeply concerned and strongly objects to the ruling of the Independent Electoral Commission to disqualify the party president and presidential flag bearer for the office of the President of Uganda,” the statement read in part.. The committee said the ruling “undermines the principle of multiparty democracy and denies Ugandans the opportunity to make their choice at the ballot box.” Odur also castigated Justice Byabakama, saying the matter fell outside his jurisdiction.
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