Akena unopposed for UPC president after Shs20m nomination fee ‘knocked out’ opponents

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has announced Jimmy Michael Akena unopposed for the party president position.

The party’s electoral commission chairman Hajj Mahmoud Kazimbiraine declared confirmed Akena’s competitors had failed to return nomination forms.

They were Beatrice Amaro , Tom Omino and  Denis Enap Adim.

“It is only one applicant, Hon Jimmy Akena, who returned the nomination form by close of business of the first exercise on July 03, 2020,” said Kazimbiraine.

“He is now a sole candidate for the position of the Party President.”

However, Akena’s challengers had complained that the Shs20m imposed as nomination fee was meant to ring fence the party’s top job for Akena.

Akena is son to founding UPC president and former two-time president Dr Apollo Milton Obote.

Party secretary general Fred Ebil had fired back at those complaining of the fees to try lower party positions.

Ebil also argued that the UPC cabinet had raised the fees as a way of attracting serious candidates for the position.

“When you go to [the national Electoral Commission], you will also part with Shs20m, so you should have [financial] capacity,” he said.

He added that the 2021 scientific elections will require a lot of money.

But Akena will need the backing of district conferences which will happen between July 16 and 26.

Days after that, the national delegates conference will convene to confirm his nomination on August 01 before he can start his second term.