UPC To Field Presidential Candidate

By Francis Otucu

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has revealed the party will field a presidential candidate in the 2021 presidential race.

Speaking a day after the Court of Appeal threw out Jimmy Akena for illegally holding on to UPC Presidency office Monday, Peter Walubiri said candidates who have shown interest shall be subjected to an internal process so as to arrive at a Presidential candidate.

“There are already people aspiring. Before they seek contest for President, we first have to elect them party president, that’s what the Constitution says. Once the person is elected, he will be on the ballot,” Walubiri said at a press conference held at Speke Hotel in Kampala Tuesday.

The roadmap to guide the process, he said will be released next week.

“The revised roadmap to guide internal elections shall be released in early next week to guide the process of nominations and elections of the party president and other flag bearers. All intending candidates should express their interests to participate in the forthcoming elections,” Walubiri guided. He noted, UPC shall embark on aggressive mobilization and preparation of party members so as to participate fully in the 2021 general polls.

Going into this process, Walubiri warned against acts of indiscipline.

“The party leadership shall not tolerate acts of indiscipline and attempts to undermine the Constitution of the party in their quest to implement the decision of the Court in accordance with the UPC Constitution, the political parties and Organization Act and Article 71 of the Constitution of Uganda,” he said.

In pursuance of political change in the leadership of Uganda, UPC pledged to join hands with democracy seeking forces.

“The party continues to engage and co-operate with all democratic seeking forces in the country for a democratic change of government,” he said.

Commenting on Monday ruling, Walubiri described it a good news.

“We have good news because UPC is on the right track. We hope that party members will observe the law and respect the verdict,” he said adding, “We have written to the Electoral Commission of Uganda and the Uganda Police Force to take note of these landmark judgement and to accord the leadership of the party their rightful place to conduct party activities without interference.”

On Monday, the Justices of the Court of Appeal dismissed Akena’s appeal and ordered that UPC members conduct nominations and elect a President in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Uganda People’s Congress.

To this, Walubiri warned against any dealings with Akena.

“We advice the general public, government institutions and the members of the diplomatic missions in Uganda to desist from conducting UPC businesses with Hon. Jimmy Akena for an on behalf of UPC party,” Walubiri warned.