Lira Opposition Leaders, Okao Otema & Others Boycott Akena's Anti-Museveni Call, Condemn Vote-Spoiling Advocates As 2026 Approaches

Lira City, Uganda — Senior opposition figures from the Lango sub-region have publicly denounced recent statements by Jimmy Akena, President of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC), calling for supporters not to vote for President Yoweri Museveni and instead to write Akena's name on the ballot paper. The comments have sparked controversy amid rising political tensions ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Leading the condemnation, veteran journalist and current chair of the FDC in Lira District, Joel Okao Otema, spoke to the press at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City. Okao and his team described Akena’s call as "reckless and baseless," emphasizing that the dispute over Akena’s disqualification from the electoral process is a legal matter that should be handled through appropriate channels, not inflammatory rhetoric or emotions.

"We are here to state clearly that Akena’s claims and calls are unacceptable," Okao declared. "We are his brothers and fellow citizens, but we urge the people of Lango to disregard his call to write his name on the ballot. Such actions undermine our democracy and do not contribute to national progress." He further urged Akena to channel his energy into proper means or internal party processes rather than inciting supporters to cast invalid votes.

Okao also criticized Akena’s allegations that he was unfairly blocked from nomination by President Museveni, dismissing them as unsubstantiated. "Why would Bobi Wine be nominated yet he is a potent challenger of Museveni than Akena himself. The claims appear to be rooted in internal party disagreements, policy or legal misunderstandings, and other issuse but there is no solid evidence supporting his claims" he explained.

Patrick Okwir Jaramongi, a prominent supporter of UPC and an influential political figure in Lango, echoed similar sentiments. He warned against the potential negative impact of Akena’s calls on the region's development and unity. "Akena’s call for supporters to write his name or to abstain from supporting Museveni contradicts the wishes of the majority in Lango and the official stance of the UPC," Jaramongi stated. "If Akena wants to support another presidential candidate, he should lead by example—perhaps by instructing his wife, Betty Amongi, to resign from her ministerial position and publicly endorse a different candidate."

Historically, the UPC has maintained a working relationship with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), with many members in Lango actively supporting Museveni’s campaigns from 2011 through 2026. During the 2016 elections, several UPC leaders, including Jimmy Awany Cing Amalu, recall being instructed by Akena to support Museveni’s candidature. However, recent internal disagreements over Akena’s stance have caused visible divisions within the party, with some members questioning his leadership and electoral strategy.

Jimmy Awany, a notable UPC member and supporter of Museveni, expressed disapproval of Akena’s recent calls. "No one should accept Akena’s message because he didn’t consult with the people of Lango or UPC before making such statements," Awany said. "I support UPC and believe President Museveni remains the best leader Uganda has had. We should focus on supporting his continued leadership." 

He also called on church and cultural leaders in Lango to mediate and engage Akena in dialogue to promote peace and reconciliation. "It’s important that we come together as a community to avoid divisions that could weaken our regional and national progress," Awany added.

Currently, many stakeholders in Lango are distancing themselves from Akena’s controversial call, emphasizing the need for unity and adherence to legal processes rather than divisive rhetoric. The opposition in the region is increasingly divided on how best to engage with the electoral process, with a growing consensus that dialogue and lawful channels are the way forward.

As Uganda approaches its general elections, the political landscape in Lango remains tense, with internal party disagreements and regional rivalries overshadowing the broader national campaign.