Uganda is heading into one of its most anticipated presidential elections on January 15, 2026. As campaigns intensify, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president and Lira City East Member of Parliament, Jimmy Akena, has issued a strong message to his supporters: vote for any candidate except the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni.
Akena, the son of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, has long been a vocal critic of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). His warning to voters has stirred political conversations across the country, especially in the Lango sub-region, where the UPC remains influential.
The UPC leader himself was blocked from contesting the last presidential elections due to legal issues within his party. Akena has repeatedly blamed President Museveni and the NRM for what he calls political interference in his ambitions to run for the highest office in Uganda.
Had Akena been cleared to run, he would have joined a competitive field that includes President Museveni, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, FDC’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi, ANT’s Mugisha Muntu, Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party, Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party, Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Revolutionary People’s Party, and Joseph Mabirizi from the Conservative Party.
In a press briefing at Uganda House in Kampala last year, Akena told journalists that his supporters should not vote for Museveni. “If you don’t want to vote for any of the other candidates, then write my name on the ballot and vote for me,” he said. These remarks quickly went viral on social media.
Although he did not endorse any opposition candidate openly at the time, insiders now suggest that Akena is quietly encouraging his followers to support Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The political alignment between Akena and Kyagulanyi became more visible on October 23, 2025. Akena hosted Kyagulanyi at his late father’s ancestral home in Akokoro, Apac District. The visit was seen as a rare public show of closeness between two influential leaders during a tense political season.
During this meeting, the two leaders discussed strategies to challenge President Museveni in the upcoming elections. Reports indicate that they also talked about ways to consolidate opposition votes in the Lango sub-region and beyond.
Kyagulanyi later addressed rallies in West Lango, signaling a possible collaboration with the UPC. Observers say this is a strategic move, as the UPC still enjoys significant loyalty in northern Uganda, which could influence voter behavior.
President Museveni, however, has dismissed claims of interfering in Akena’s political career. Speaking to journalists in October at Baralegi State Lodge in Otuke District, he said he only learned of Akena’s presidential intentions through the media.
“I didn’t even know Hon. Jimmy wanted to contest. I just saw it in the papers. Later, I checked and found it was merely legal problems on their side. It was legal, not political,” Museveni said.
Despite Museveni’s dismissal, Akena’s message to his supporters is clear. He is urging Ugandans, especially in the Lango region, to make a conscious choice to avoid voting for the incumbent.
Political analysts suggest that Akena’s stance could significantly impact voting patterns in northern Uganda. His UPC base, historically loyal and politically active, may provide a boost to the opposition if he continues to quietly support Kyagulanyi.
The alliance between Akena and Kyagulanyi represents a new phase in Uganda’s political landscape. It shows that historical party rivalries may be taking a back seat in favor of a united opposition against the NRM.
Observers note that Akena’s influence is particularly strong in rural areas of Lango, where his father’s legacy still resonates. This support could be decisive in an election where every vote counts.
Meanwhile, NUP leader Kyagulanyi continues to campaign aggressively across the country, drawing crowds and energizing youth participation. His potential collaboration with Akena may help him penetrate regions traditionally dominated by other parties.
The UPC’s quiet support for Kyagulanyi highlights the evolving nature of Uganda’s political alliances. It underscores how former party rivals can come together when united by a common goal: unseating a long-serving incumbent.
For voters in Lango and northern Uganda, Akena’s guidance serves as both a strategic recommendation and a political warning. He encourages his supporters to exercise their right to vote but to consciously avoid supporting Museveni.
As the election date approaches, the political atmosphere in Uganda is becoming increasingly charged. Campaign rallies, media statements, and community meetings are all shaping public opinion in this critical period.
Jimmy Akena’s bold statement against Museveni is a reminder that political influence in Uganda is not only about holding office but also about shaping the decisions of committed supporters. How these dynamics play out could determine the future of the country’s leadership.
With less than a week to go before the January 15 elections, all eyes are on Uganda’s voters, particularly in key regions like Lango, where historic loyalties, strategic alliances, and personal influence could tip the scales.
