The political landscape in Uganda has been stirred once again following strong remarks by Jimmy Akena, the president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
His statements come after what he described as unfair treatment that blocked him from contesting for the presidency ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In an emotional and firm declaration, Akena said he would not forgive President Museveni for what he believes was deliberate political obstruction.
He warned that such actions have serious consequences for political cooperation in the country.
Akena went further to threaten that UPC may refuse to renew its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) if similar conditions continue.
The MoU between UPC and NRM has for years been a controversial arrangement. While some saw it as a move toward national unity and stability, others viewed it as a betrayal of opposition principles.
According to Akena, recent events have made it clear that the agreement does not protect UPC from political exclusion.
He argued that cooperation should be based on mutual respect, fairness, and trust.
He expressed deep frustration over what he called unclear and unjust circumstances that prevented him from contesting for the presidency. To him, this was not just a personal setback but an attack on democracy.
Akena said that political competition should be open and fair, regardless of party affiliation. Blocking candidates, he argued, damages public trust in the electoral process.
The UPC leader made it clear that his anger is not temporary. He stressed that his disappointment with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni runs deep and cannot be ignored.
He questioned the value of maintaining agreements with a political partner that, in his view, does not honor democratic principles. Akena said UPC cannot continue to pretend that everything is normal.
For years, UPC supporters have complained that the party gains little from its cooperation with NRM. The recent developments have reignited those concerns within the party.
Some UPC members are now openly calling for a complete withdrawal from the MoU. They argue that staying in the agreement weakens the party and confuses its supporters.
Akena’s remarks have also sparked debate among political analysts. Some believe his hard stance could help UPC regain its identity as an independent opposition force.
Others warn that breaking ties with NRM could isolate UPC politically and reduce its influence in national decision-making.
Still, Akena insists that principles matter more than political convenience. He said democracy cannot survive where rules are applied selectively.
He also warned that continued political manipulation could increase public anger and reduce faith in elections. According to him, this is dangerous for national stability.
The 2026 general elections are already shaping up to be highly contested. Statements like Akena’s show growing tension among political actors.
Observers say the coming months will test whether Uganda’s political space can accommodate diverse voices without intimidation or exclusion.
For UPC, the decision on whether to renew the MoU will be critical. It could redefine the party’s direction and relationship with the ruling government.
Akena emphasized that the party’s leadership will consult widely before making a final decision. However, he made it clear that patience is running out.
He concluded by saying that forgiveness and cooperation must be earned through actions, not words. Without meaningful change, UPC, he warned, will not continue business as usual.
As the political climate heats up, Akena’s vow adds another layer of uncertainty to Uganda’s already complex electoral environment, with the future of political alliances now hanging in the balance.
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