Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena has described the 2026 general elections as “a totally unfair game”, accusing state security agencies of violently targeting supporters of opposition candidates and undermining the credibility of the polls.
Speaking at a press conference in Kampala today, Akena said the political climate ahead of the elections has been defined by fear, intimidation, and the systematic violation of human rights. He argued that the trend has persisted across the last three election cycles of 2016, 2021, and now 2026, with what he called a pattern of killings, beatings, and illegal arrests of ordinary citizens.
Akena cited incidents in Gulu during the recently concluded campaign tour of National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
He said several people were left seriously injured during clashes between security forces and supporters, including a 16-year-old boy from Gulu who later died from his injuries.
“As Jimmy Akena, I will not keep quiet and watch as citizens are being tortured by the regime in every election cycle. I strongly demand that the military be withdrawn from the election process and that the police should take centre stage as provided for by the law,” Akena said
Uganda’s election periods have repeatedly come under criticism from human rights groups, with complaints about the use of soldiers in campaign policing, the detention of opposition supporters, and the disruption of rallies. Akena said this behaviour had eroded public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
Akena also renewed his criticism of President Museveni, accusing him of influencing the decision that blocked him from contesting in this year’s presidential race. The Electoral Commission (EC) disqualified Akena in early 2025 after ruling that he had not met all the nomination requirements, a decision he has repeatedly challenged as politically motivated.
“I plead with every Ugandan not to vote for Museveni because he is liable and responsible for my disqualification,” he said.
Akena said Uganda needs an election conducted under conditions that allow citizens to vote without fear. “Ugandans deserve peace, fairness, and dignity. What we are seeing is the opposite,” he said.
He urged the international community, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to pay close attention to the conduct of security forces ahead of the voting period.
Despite his party’s internal challenges, Akena insisted that UPC remains committed to democratic principles and the protection of civil liberties.
He said the party would continue to speak out against abuse of power and push for reforms that ensure free and fair elections.
