UPC Parliamentary Caucus Reaffirms Support for Akena, Rejects Leadership Claims

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Uganda People’s Congress Parliamentary Caucus has restated its backing for party president Jimmy James Akena, rejecting claims that UPC legislators no longer recognise his leadership. Speaking for the caucus, Maruzi County MP Peter Obong Achuda said the party’s 12 lawmakers remain aligned with the UPC constitution, legal procedure and the leadership operating from the party headquarters.

According to the report, Achuda challenged those saying the caucus had abandoned Akena to state their position openly. He said UPC MPs were nominated under the current party leadership and argued that any change in the party’s leadership must be handled through the constitution and recognised legal channels. The comments appear aimed at countering internal messaging that the caucus says misrepresents lawmakers’ stance.

Achuda also said UPC is open to individuals, civil society groups and community organisations that want to join the party’s work, but warned against efforts that could deepen divisions or provoke conflict. Nile Post places the remarks in the context of continuing debate about UPC’s future leadership, an issue that has periodically drawn attention because Akena’s leadership has been contested within sections of the party.

The caucus also addressed the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill. Achuda said UPC MPs would wait to review the bill before deciding whether to support it. He further rejected suggestions that the proposal is being advanced by lawmakers linked to the Patriotic League of Uganda, saying its sponsor is from the ruling National Resistance Movement. The issue matters because UPC’s parliamentary position could affect both internal party cohesion and debate in Parliament on constitutional changes.