LIRA, UGANDA – The internal leadership battle within the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has taken a new twist, with Tonny Atepo, the Lango Regional Vice Chairperson from the Dennis Adim faction, dismissing the disciplinary meeting called by the rival Jimmy Akena faction as "illegal" and without authority.
In a strongly worded statement, Atepo declared that the Akena faction no longer holds any leadership position within UPC and therefore has no right to summon any party members for disciplinary action, including their target, Mr. Adim Enap.
Atepo made it clear that his faction does not recognize the authority of the disciplinary committee convened by their opponents.
"We don't know the illegal meeting that they have called with their party president before Peter Okello (P.P. Okello), who is the chairperson of the disciplinary committee from the Jimmy Akena faction," Atepo stated firmly.
He emphasized that the Akena faction is "no longer in leadership of UPC" and has "no right to call for any disciplinary action on Adim Enap."
The Lango regional chair struck a defiant tone, warning that any attempt to proceed with the meeting would face legal consequences.
"As UPC, we are not joking around with leadership. We are continuing with work," Atepo said. "Anybody who tries to hold that meeting will face the law because even our boys who are UPC members are keenly following their movement."
The warning signals rising tensions between the two factions, with both sides claiming legitimacy in the protracted leadership battle.
However, Peter Okello (P.P. Okello), chairperson of the National Disciplinary Committee from the Akena faction, dismissed Atepo's objections and insisted that the hearing will proceed as scheduled.
"I don't know Adim Enap as UPC president," Okello stated bluntly. He further warned that if Adim fails to appear before the disciplinary committee tomorrow, September 1, 2026, "they will continue with hearing the case" in his absence.
The National Disciplinary Committee has issued formal invitations to several UPC members, including:
· Mr. Ogwal Alex Adyebo (Former Chairman LC V Kwania District)
· Hon. Achola Susan (Former Flag Bearer Apac District)
· Mr. Ongom Chris (Former Regional Vice Chairperson - Lango)
· Mr. Ewal George (Former UPC Chairperson - Kole District)
According to the invitation letter dated August 20,2026, the hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Party Headquarters, 6th Floor, Uganda House, Kampala.
The invitation, signed by P.P. Okello as Chairman of the National Disciplinary Committee, states that the hearing follows a complaint lodged by Atim Brenda Kinyera, the National Chairperson of UPC, regarding allegations against the summoned members.
The four party members are accused of campaigning for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the previous election, which the Akena faction views as a violation of the party constitution and a breach of party loyalty.
The invitation warns that failure to appear at the venue, time, and date stated will result in the committee proceeding to decide the case in their absence, as provided for under Article 28 & 44 of the Constitution of Uganda and Article 24 of the UPC Constitution.
The disciplinary hearings come amid an ongoing legal battle between Jimmy Akena and Adim Enap over the legitimate leadership of the Uganda Peoples Congress. Both factions claim to be the rightful custodians of the party's leadership, with each accusing the other of illegitimacy.
The UPC, one of Uganda's oldest political parties, has been embroiled in internal conflicts since the passing of its founding president, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, with succession disputes repeatedly threatening to tear the party apart.
The UPC, founded in 1960, has been a significant force in Uganda's political history. Its current leadership crisis raises questions about the party's future direction and its ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.
