UPC Electoral Commission Disqualifies Akena Challenger Enap

🏛️ UPC Electoral Commission Disqualifies Akena Challenger Enap

Kampala, Uganda | ENS News Desk — The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Electoral Commission has reportedly disqualified Dennis Adim Enap, the only challenger to party president Jimmy Akena, citing multiple violations of internal rules and constitutional provisions.

🔹 Commission’s Rationale

According to UPC electoral commission chair Mahmoud Kazimbiraine, Enap allegedly violated the party's electoral roadmap and constitution. The commission referenced a mass message in which Enap declared himself the unopposed candidate, falsely claiming that court had already removed Akena from the race.

🔹 Enap’s Response

Enap has labeled the disqualification as illegal and unjustified. He accused Akena of influencing the commission’s decisions to retain control over the party, despite recent legal rulings against his third-term bid.

🔹 Legal Context

On July 18, 2025, the High Court ruled that Akena is not eligible to seek a third term. The judgment emphasized that he had already served two terms, as per Article 14.1(3) of the UPC Constitution. Despite this ruling, the party's internal election processes have continued with growing tension.

🔹 What Comes Next

• Enap insists that only the commission chair signed off on the disqualification.
• He claims other members of the commission did not participate and later advanced his nomination.
• The UPC National Delegates Conference is still expected, but the incident has stirred intra-party conflict.

🔍 Key Figures

• Jimmy Akena – UPC President since 2015; recently disqualified by court from third-term bid.
• Dennis Adim Enap – The sole contender against Akena, now disqualified.
• Mahmoud Kazimbiraine – UPC Electoral Commission Chair who announced the decision.

📅 Published: 22 July 2025 | Source: ENS Live | By: Mukisa Trevor @ ENS