High Court Set Dates to Rule on UPC’s Akena Nomination Block by Electoral Commission

By Kabuye Ronald
The High Court in Kampala has set October 1, 2025, as the date it will deliver its ruling on whether the Electoral Commission acted lawfully in disqualifying Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena from the 2026 presidential race or not.

UPC, through its legal representative and Erute County MP Jonathan Odur, filed a judicial review application challenging the Electoral Commission’s decision to block Akena from nomination. The party seeks interim relief, including a temporary injunction directing the Commission to accept Akena’s nomination.

Odur argued that Akena had fulfilled all legal requirements for nomination, including collecting the required 98 district endorsements and submitting valid academic credentials. He added that UPC had also designated a 20-member delegation to accompany Akena during his nomination, which was unexpectedly rejected.

“We were taken aback by what we believe is malice on the part of the Electoral Commission in entertaining a frivolous complaint,” Odur stated.

According to him, the objection originated from some UPC members who had not themselves contested for the party’s presidential flag. He further noted that the party leadership dispute is already pending before the High Court, and the Electoral Commission should not have acted while the matter was sub judice.

Odur cited a 2020 precedent where the Commission refrained from acting on a similar leadership dispute until the court had ruled. He insisted that the “balance of convenience” favors Akena, as thousands of party members endorsed him.

The Electoral Commission based its decision on the interpretation that Akena had served two terms as party president, rendering him ineligible. However, Odur countered that the UPC delegates’ conference, its highest decision-making body, lawfully extended Akena’s term by one year, citing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also accused the Commission of applying double standards, referencing internal disputes in other parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP), which did not result in similar disqualifications.

In response, the Electoral Commission’s legal officer, Eric Sabiiti, objected to UPC’s application, stating the matter had been overtaken by events since presidential nominations closed on Wednesday, September 24. He argued that UPC failed to comply with its own constitution in time.

While acknowledging that the Commission can reopen nominations based on new facts or evidence, Sabiiti maintained that UPC’s case does not meet the criteria for reconsideration.

The court has directed UPC to file written submissions by close of business Thursday, September 25, with the Electoral Commission’s response due shortly after. Should UPC wish to file a rejoinder, it must do so by October 31. The court will then issue its ruling on October 1, 2025.

Eight candidates who were duly nominated for the 2026 presidential race include; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – National Resistance Movement (NRM), Elton Joseph Mabirizi – Conservative Party (CP), Robert Kasibate – National Peasants Party (NPP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Maj. Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera – Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu – National Unity Platform (NUP), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga – Common Man’s Party (CMP) and Frank Bulira Kabinga – Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP)