Akora dismisses claims UPC leader is exiting 2026 presidential race

Maruzi County Member of Parliament and UPC National Treasurer, Maxwell Akora Ebong has dismissed widespread rumors suggesting that UPC party president Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote will not contest in the 2026 presidential (general) elections.

Speaking on May 24, 2025, during a delegates’ meeting held in Bardek ward, Atik division, Apac municipality, Akora reaffirmed Akena’s candidacy and the party’s commitment to political transformation in Uganda.

The meeting was chaired by Jimmy Opio, the UPC chairperson for Bardek ward.

“The UPC will field its presidential candidate Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote in 2026. Our party remains strong and committed to driving transformative change in Uganda,” Akora said.

He further used the platform to challenge his intra-party rival, Apac municipality MP Patrick Ocan, saying the UPC aims to reclaim political space in the district.

“Our vision is to replace all NRM MPs across Apac district,” he emphasized.

Jimmy Opio rallied members to stay united ahead of the party primaries, highlighting UPC’s historical roots in Apac.

“UPC’s founders started here. We will not let our party fade as we approach the primaries and the main election,” he said.

Denis Akona, UPC chairperson of central ward (Akere division), praised Akora for clarifying Akena’s intentions and dispelling misinformation.

Meanwhile, Patrick Akora, chairperson of Odokomac ward (Agulu division), announced that the party structures in Apac municipality support Akora’s return to Parliament, citing previous stagnation caused by “wrong elements within the party.”

Bernard Obasanjo, Arocha division councillor and part of Akora’s mobilization team, closed the event with a call for unity and new leadership:

“Together, we can bring new leadership to Apac Municipality in 2026. Maxwell Akora is the solution our community needs.”

To cement party identity, over 2,000 UPC-branded t-shirts were distributed across the municipality’s 20 wards.