I'll defeat Museveni in 2026, says Akena
UPC party leader Jimmy Akena Obote is welcomed at Adok Trading Centre, Adok Sub-county, Dokolo District on March 22, 2025. PHOTO | BILL OKETCH
What you need to know:
- Mr Akena, the son of former two-time president Milton Obote, said he is ready to confront the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and welcomes whatever challenges they may throw his way.
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party leader, Mr Jimmy Akena Obote, has expressed strong determination to challenge and defeat President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 general election.
Mr Akena, the son of former two-time president Milton Obote, said he is ready to confront the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and welcomes whatever challenges they may throw his way.
Throughout his campaign, he plans to promote his vision to Ugandans, stressing that the strength of his dream cannot be destroyed by bullets.
“There’s someone out there talking about killing people, but the truth of life is that we all will die eventually. What matters is what we do before we die. I don’t want to be part of taking people’s lives. That should not happen in Uganda,” said Mr Akena, Member of Parliament for Lira City East, while mobilising support at Okwalongwen Market in Okwalongwen Sub-county, Dokolo District, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
“Let’s engage in politics where we share our vision and allow the people to decide. I am going to move, sell my vision, and challenge them to do their worst. I will sell my dream,” he added.
Akena emphasised that his dream cannot be killed, locked away, or chased off. “That dream will live. No matter what is done, that dream will continue. All I ask of God is that I live long enough to see that dream realized. I am determined, and in 2026, I will challenge and defeat Museveni in the election,” he said.
He called on Ugandans to support one another in protecting the lives of all citizens and securing a future where the youth of Uganda will thrive in a nation that respects its people’s lives and rights.
At another rally later that day at Angwecibange Primary School in Dokolo Town Council, Mr Akena criticised the current government for prioritising military interventions in neighboring countries over the well-being of Ugandans.
“When I was on my way to Dokolo this morning, I saw tanks heading to South Sudan. If you follow the news, you will know that the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defence Forces) is in South Sudan, Somalia, and the DR Congo. This government seems more interested in fighting than helping its own people,” he said.
“I am running for president in 2026 to address these issues,” Akena stated, adding that, if elected, the UPC is committed to improving the health and welfare of Ugandans. “This is not something you can do alone; it requires all institutions working together, including nurses, doctors, and midwives—those who ensure a healthy and prosperous society.”
