UPC's Akena drums up support for 2026 presidential run

Uganda People's Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Michael Akena Obote has called on the people of Kaberamaido to support his bid for the presidency in the 2026 elections.

During a series of rallies on Saturday, March 1, 2025, Akena made his intentions clear, addressing residents at six different locations across the district. He started in Oriamo trading centre, Oriamo subcounty, before moving to Okapel trading centre in Aperkira subcounty and Adwongowor in Kobulubulu subcounty. His outreach then took him to Akampala landing site, Kaburepoli Primary School in Ochero subcounty, and finally Esingu Boma Grounds in Kaberamaido town council.

Speaking to the crowds, Akena criticised the current state of governance in Uganda, expressing concerns over issues affecting ordinary Ugandans. He highlighted the challenges facing local fishermen, amid allegations of unfair treatment, and vowed to prioritise Ugandan citizens.

“We want to have Ugandans first. Our people should be the priority,” Akena stated.

He further outlined his vision for the country, pledging to restore lost livestock, ensure fishermen operate without harassment, and improve market conditions for farmers to sell their produce at better prices.

“I am not going to sit back. I am going to stand to make sure we make a difference in Uganda of ours,” he declared.

Akena emphasised that his visit to Kaberamaido was both a test of the political landscape and an opportunity to solidify his presidential ambitions.

“My coming to Kaberamaido is to test the grounds and make my intentions very clear. I want to stand for presidency. I also want to know if the people of Kaberamaido want to support me for presidency,” he said.

He dismissed doubts surrounding his candidacy, reaffirming his determination to contest in the 2026 elections. Additionally, he promised to strengthen veterinary services to protect livestock, warning that without proper intervention, many people risked losing their animals.

Akena also addressed concerns over access to the country’s lakes, stressing the need to prioritise local communities over foreign interests.

Defections to UPC

Akena’s message resonated with some local leaders, leading to political shifts within the district. LC1 chairperson of Akokoma village, George Opon, announced his defection from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to UPC, citing the party’s commitment to addressing issues affecting fishermen.

Akena addressing the people of Kaberamaido at Esingu boma grounds. Photo by Michael Onyinge

Ochero subcounty LCII chairperson, Charles Ojuku, also declared his support for UPC, highlighting frustrations with the slow progress of livestock compensation for those who lost animals during past insurgencies.

“Even after a court ruling that people should be compensated, the government was acting slowly,” Ojuku lamented.

Support from UPC leaders

Akena was joined by UPC leaders from neighbouring districts, including Amolatar, Dokolo, and Soroti. Dokolo District Woman MP, Sarah Aguti Nyankori, urged voters to support UPC candidates who would work alongside Akena.

Amolatar LC5 chairperson Geoffrey Ocen Kiring was also present, among a large group of UPC officials accompanying Akena’s campaign.

Throughout the rallies, police provided security and crowd control, ensuring the events proceeded smoothly.

Akena was set to continue his campaign on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Kalaki district, as he expands his outreach.

Besigye’s struggles

Akena also expressed sympathy for Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye, acknowledging the hardships he has faced despite helping bring the current government to power. He suggested that the very principles they once fought for had contributed to Besigye’s predicament.

“Much as Besigye is behind bringing the current government into power, what they believed in and agreed when they took over power was the cause of his suffering,” Akena noted.