Kampala, Uganda – The President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena, has taken a bold step to dismiss members of the party’s Electoral Commission, accusing them of exceeding their constitutional mandate and interfering in internal party structures.
In a public statement issued on Tuesday, Akena said the decision was made in a bid to restore discipline, transparency, and order within the party’s internal election processes as it gears up for the 2026 general elections.
“The commission acted outside its authority,” Akena declared.
While Akena stopped short of revealing the precise actions that led to the commissioners’ dismissal, insiders within UPC point to rising tensions around the selection of candidates, the scheduling of party primaries, and alleged favoritism.
Several party members, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim the Electoral Commission had begun to operate independently of the party’s executive arm, a move seen by some as a direct challenge to Akena’s authority.
“What started as small disagreements around timelines quickly turned into a power contest between the Commission and top leadership.”
This development comes at a critical time when UPC is attempting to restore its image, attract young voters, and position itself as a serious contender in the upcoming national elections.
Akena did not immediately announce who would replace the sacked commissioners but assured party members that a new, competent team would be appointed in time to oversee the party’s preparations for 2026.
“We must move forward with a team that understands and respects the party constitution,” he noted.
Analysts suggest that the shake-up could either strengthen Akena’s grip on the party or widen internal rifts, depending on how the transition is managed.
The UPC’s internal crisis is not isolated. It mirrors recent leadership disputes within other major political parties such as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), all of which are facing their own challenges in preparing for what is shaping up to be a highly contested 2026 general election.
From disputed party primaries in NRM to factional battles in FDC and leadership restructuring in NUP, Uganda’s political arena is becoming increasingly volatile.
“This is a season of political soul-searching,” says Prof. Gerald Kintu, a political analyst.
“As elections draw near, parties are struggling to balance internal democracy with centralized control.”
For UPC, the path ahead will depend on how swiftly and transparently it rebuilds trust within its ranks. With its historical legacy and renewed ambition, the party now faces a critical moment: either emerge stronger with unified leadership or risk slipping into further fragmentation.
As Uganda marches toward the polls, one thing is clear: internal party governance will be just as important as national campaigning in determining who leads the country next.
Also read: Minister Musa Ecweru Petitions NRM Tribunal Over Bukedea Poll
