Lira, Uganda – April 12, 2025– Acai Godwin, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Chairperson for Bazar Parish in Lira City East Division, has launched a scathing attack on the party’s top leadership, accusing them of gross mismanagement, constitutional violations, and lack of direction ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to journalists at Pacific Grand Hotel on Friday evening, Acai, a long-serving UPC stalwart, expressed deep frustration with the party’s current state, warning that UPC may not field a presidential candidate in 2026 unless urgent reforms are implemented.
Akena Accused of Ignoring UPC Constitution
Acai took direct aim at UPC President Jimmy Akena and Secretary General Fred Ebil Ebil, accusing them of sidelining the party constitution. He noted that while other political parties, including NRM, NUP, FDC, and DP, have already begun internal preparations for 2026, UPC has not even released its roadmap.
Citing Article 14(a) of the UPC Constitution,which limits the party president to two terms,Acai argued that Akena is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election since he is currently serving his second and final term. He also questioned why key party officials, including the Secretary General and Treasurer, have remained in office for nearly 10 years without approval from a Delegates Conference,as required by the party’s rules.
Akena’s ‘Just a Booklet’ Remark Sparks Outrage
Acai demanded an apology from Akena for referring to the UPC Constitution as “just a booklet”during a recent interview on one of the radio stations.He described the statement as reckless and disrespectful to party members who uphold its principles.
Unresolved Factional Wars & Court Cases
The outspoken UPC official also highlighted unresolved court battles between Akena and former party leaders, including Olara Otunnu and Joseph Bossa,stating that only the old leadership legally retains the mandate to convene a Delegates Conference.
He further criticized Akena for failing to reconcile with rival UPC factions led by Peter Walubiri, Joseph Othieno, Tom Omino, and Denis Adim Enap. which has left the party divided along regional lines, particularly between Lango and Acholi sub-regions.
UPC’s Weak National Mobilization & NRM Ties
Acai lamented that UPC’s activities are only visible in Lango with little presence in key voting regions like Buganda. He dismissed claims of ongoing national registration, arguing that even if all of Lango’s 1.5 million voters backed Akena, it would still be insufficient for a national victory.
He also took a swipe at Minister Betty Amongi, Akena’s wife, accusing her of undermining UPC by allegedly striking backdoor deals with President Museveni. Acai questioned why Amongi, who now plans to contest in Lira City instead of Oyam South,has never publicly campaigned for her husband’s presidential ambitions.
Political Shift: Acai Endorses Museveni & Aceng
In a surprising twist, Acai announced that he and other disillusioned UPC members will openly support Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero for Lira City Woman MP and President Yoweri Museveni in 2026.
Having backed Museveni in every election since 1996 Acai declared that UPC is no longer a viable political force under its current leadership.
“UPC is not ready, not organized, and not united. Without immediate reform, it has no future in 2026,”he concluded.
Implications for 2026 Elections
Acai’s public rebuke marks one of the strongest internal condemnations of Akena’s leadership and could signal a broader exodus of UPC members ahead of the 2026 polls. With the party already struggling with low national appeal, this latest rift may further weaken its electoral prospects.
