The High Court has issued an interim order prohibiting Jimmy Akena from seeking a third term as president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
The decision stemmed from a petition by UPC member and presidential aspirant Dennis Adim Enap, who argued that Akena’s nomination violated the party’s constitution.
Enap’s challenge hinged on Article 14.1(3) of the UPC constitution, which restricts the party president to two terms unless they win a national presidential election during their second term—a condition Akena did not meet.
Enap noted that Akena had already served two terms, from 2015 to 2020 and 2020 to 2025. Although Akena’s 2015 election was nullified by a court, he continued leading under an interim order, effectively completing the term.
In his ruling, Justice Bernard Namanya noted that Akena’s nomination for the 2025–2030 term was “illegal and therefore null and void.”
The court also issued an order “restraining the UPC from further nominating [Akena]” as president. In his judgment, Justice Namanya referenced a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling and remarks by Justice Irene Mulyagonja, which recognized Akena’s leadership despite earlier procedural flaws.
The ruling means that Enap is now the only legally nominated individual to contest for the UPC presidency. However, we have been told that Akena is likely to appeal.
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