Police not informed of UPC delegates’ conference in Kamdini – SP Okema

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party delegates’ conference scheduled for Saturday, July 26 may be disrupted because security has not been notified.

Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote last week called for a “Special National Delegates’ Conference” in an attempt to save his UPC presidency and keep his 2026 presidential ambitions alive.

Akena and his cabinet chose to host the conference at the Northern Gateway Hotel in Kamdini town council, Oyam South.

Oyam South MP Betty Amongi and her husband Akena are the hotel’s owners.

Akena, who doubles as Lira City East Division MP, is currently embroiled in political turmoil within his party, after the High Court in Kampala stripped him of the party presidency.

UPC member and party presidential candidate Dennis Adim Enap sued Akena challenging his nomination for a third term as party president.

Enap, a professional lawyer, said the nomination of Akena for another term was contrary to UPC party constitution – article 14.1(3) which limits the term of the party president to two (10 years).

In his ruling, Justice Bernard Namanya agreed with Enap that Akena served his term from 2015 to 2020 and 2020 to 2025.

One part of his ruling reads: “The nomination of Hon. Jimmy James Michael Akena for the office of party president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) for the period 2025 to 2030 is illegal and therefore null and void.”

After the ruling, Akena addressed the media in Kampala and welcomed it and spoke against the appeal.

Akena, however, said the UPC delegates’ conference would sit in Kamdini town to address the ruling, and agree on “his future.”

He added: “This is my country and I don’t need permission from anyone. 2026 is not going to be business as usual.”

Will the delegates’ conference take place?

Speaking to various local radio stations in Lira City on Thursday, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, PRO of North Kyoga Region (Lango sub-region) said he and the entire security were not aware of any public meeting in Kamdini, Oyam.

“Upto now, we have not got any information about the delegates’ conference in Kamdini. We request the organisers to liaise with security to ensure their program runs successfully.

“We are hearing about it from the social media and radio stations, but as security, we have not received any letter from the IGP to RPC, clearing the UPC delegates’ conference,” said SP Okema.

Where does the police get their power?

Uganda’s Public Order Management Act empowers the national police to maintain order during public events, prevent disruptions, and provide a peaceful environment for participants.

Additionally, the Act requires the police to control traffic and provide security.

tndNews phoned Secretary-General Fred Ebil on Thursday afternoon to inquire if they had notified the police. He did not answer.