UPC Banks on Lango Revival as Launchpad Towards 2026 Elections

Uganda People's Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena cites strong grassroots election turnout in Lango as evidence of party resurgence, vowing to solidify this base ahead of the 2026 polls despite resource constraints.

By Mukasa Shafik

June 18, 2025 at 2:36 PM

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The Uganda People's Congress (UPC) sees a revival of its fortunes in the Lango Sub-region as a critical stepping stone for its ambitions in the 2026 general elections. Party President Jimmy Akena expressed renewed confidence following a significant turnout in recent internal party elections held within this traditional stronghold.

Akena revealed that over 285,000 members participated in the UPC's grassroots polls across Lango. He described this robust participation as a major milestone, reflecting growing confidence among the party's base and providing crucial momentum for the national campaign ahead.

"We recognize our limitations, particularly regarding resources," Akena stated. "Therefore, we are strategically concentrating our efforts where our support is deepest. Lango remains our bedrock, and we plan to strengthen that foundation significantly before expanding operations to other areas."

While acknowledging the UPC currently lacks the nationwide visibility of dominant players like the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Akena emphasized the party is diligently rebuilding its structures. He noted that while broader expansion would be ideal, present circumstances necessitate consolidating their position in Lango first.

The UPC leader asserted that despite the NRM's extensive national network, the ongoing mobilization efforts by his party will make the ruling party's path difficult within the Lango region during the next election cycle. "Given the energy and numbers we've witnessed firsthand on the ground, the NRM will not find Lango an easy contest this time around," Akena declared.

Currently holding 11 parliamentary seats, the UPC is actively strategizing to retain and potentially increase its influence. Akena stressed that although the party might not be dominating current political headlines, significant groundwork is underway behind the scenes. "A lot is going on beneath the surface," he remarked.

Akena expressed hope that the UPC, as a national party, will regain a wider presence across Uganda in the coming months as it intensifies mobilization drives beyond its Lango stronghold.