‘More crosses’ to UPC as Akena heads to Kitgum on Friday

Lira |In advance of the general elections in 2026, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party is firmly establishing itself. 

For instance, UPC holds more parliamentary seats overall, including local council seats, in the Lango sub-region. 

The UPC won two parliamentary by-elections in Lango in 2023 and 2024, defeating the ruling NRM party, FDC, and the party with the second highest number of seats in Parliament, NUP.

The Congress Party is aiming higher, with its President, Jimmy Akena, who also serves as Lira City East MP, eyeing the presidency in 2026.

Last year, the UPC leadership announced nationwide mobilisation tours in preparation for that ambition and to gain more MPs in the upcoming general elections.

During these tours, they receive converts from other political parties. 

Outside of Lango, the sub-region’s neighbour, Akena and his team will travel to Kitgum on Friday, May 24.

According to the party’s spokesperson, Arach Oyat Sharon, the national mobilisation programme led by President Jimmy Akena will arrive in Kitgum on Friday.

Also read: UPC welcomes new members in Amolatar 

“We want to thank the leadership and membership of Acholi, particularly Kitgum district, for their efforts so far in preparing to host the party President.”

Arach adds that they are encouraged to maintain the “Congress spirit as we massively mobilise for the party in a bid to offer good leadership to our motherland, Uganda.”

According to her, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, UPC President Jimmy Akena received a number of NRM, FDC, and NUP converts to the Uganda Peoples Congress.

The converts were welcomed at an event hosted by Dokolo district woman Member of Parliament Aguti Sarah and local Dokolo town council leaders. 

UPC says it appreciates Ugandans’ warm welcome and love for Jimmy Akena and UPC. “This is part of the programme that the party launched in 2023, and it is critical as we prepare for 2026.

“The schedule for mobilisation in other parts of the country will be communicated in due course,” the party’s spokesperson says.