KAMPALA. The High Court in Kampala has dismissed a petition by Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy James Akena challenging the Electoral Commission’s decision to block him from contesting in next year’s presidential elections on the party card .
The EC had disqualified Akena and Adim Dennis Enapu during the nomination exercise for presidential aspirants, arguing that none of the two was eligible to hold the UPC party flag under the party’s constitution.
Akena later petitioned court, seeking an order to compel the Commission to include his name on the presidential ballot.
In a ruling delivered via email on October 1 , Justice Bernard Namanya rejected the application, noting that the case was filed after the nomination period had already closed.
The dispute stems from UPC’s internal wrangles, with Akena’s leadership term having expired without formal extension by the party organs — a matter that both the party and the Electoral Commission have maintained disqualifies him from seeking the presidency on its ticket.
Even so, Justice Namanya allowed UPC to proceed with nominations for other elective positions, including Members of Parliament, while the main case continues.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Mr Julius Muchunguzi said the Commission is still reviewing the ruling and will communicate its official position to stakeholders soon.
UPC, one of Uganda’s oldest political parties has for two decades suffered leadership wrangles which have led to shrinking membership and threatens its existence .