Lira City, Uganda: Senior elders and long-standing power brokers from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Lango sub-region have openly broken ranks with UPC Party President Hon. Jimmy James Michael Akena, accusing him of misleading supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections and dragging the sub-region into what they termed “avoidable political confusion.”
In a strongly worded public declaration issued on Thursday at Lira Hotel, the cross-party elders disowned Akena’s recent political guidance and instead declared full support for President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM presidential flagbearer.
The announcement marks the most consequential rebellion against Akena within UPC’s traditional stronghold in more than a decade.
The group argues that UPC legally cannot field a presidential candidate in 2026 due to unresolved internal court cases filed by party members. They insist this leaves a vacuum that Akena cannot fill through personal pronouncements.
Their anger was triggered by Akena’s recent remarks, made both at his Lira home while meeting UPC flag bearers and later on a radio talk show on QFM, where he reportedly discouraged UPC supporters from voting for President Museveni.
“UPC has no presidential candidate. Under that circumstance, no one, no matter their position, has the authority to direct Lango on who not to vote for,” an elder told DailyExpress.
The leaders signed a three-point resolution openly disassociating themselves from Akena’s statements, declaring support for President Museveni, and urging UPC and FDC supporters in Lango to unite behind the NRM for “peace, unity, and development.”
Key Signatories Included Christ Ongom, Former UPC Regional Chairperson for Lango, Alex Ogwal Adyebo, LC5 Chairperson, Kwania District, Alex Aremo Alot, Former LC5 Chairperson, Lira District, Mzee Charles Opur, Senior UPC elder, Apac, and Atim Grace Ogwang, UPC/FDC veteran mobilizer.
Elders Speak Out
Former UPC boss Christ Ongom criticised Akena’s leadership style: “UPC has structures and a constitution. What we cannot have is politics run by personal declarations.”
Kwania LC5’s Alex Adyebo said support for Museveni is based on economic gains: “Lango has benefited from peace, PDM, NAADS, and youth skilling. Our people need continuity.” While former LC5 Chairperson Aremo Alot cited UPC’s court battles: “UPC cannot field a presidential candidate. Akena’s statements create false expectations.”
UPC elder Mzee Opur emphasised unity, saying, “When a leader’s words risk dividing the community, elders must step in.”
Akena Under Pressure
Political analysts say the UPC leader is facing a growing trust crisis among party loyalists in Lango, once UPC’s ideological home. Akena has not yet responded, but insiders describe mounting internal tensions.
The Lango sub-region now appears to be shifting politically—not through party structures, but through its heavyweight elders who for decades shaped UPC and FDC politics.
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