Politics 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UPC Leadership Feud Intensifies as Akena Faction Initiates Disciplinary Action Against Rival Enap
The leadership battle within the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has escalated, with party president Jimmy Michael Akena's faction initiating disciplinary proceedings against Denis Adim Enap, a rival claimant to the party's top post. Enap has dismissed the proceedings, calling the disciplinary committee 'illegal'. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/battle-for-upc-akena-faction-moves-to-discipline-rival-enap-as-leadership-feud-deepens-5581636
Internal conflict within the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has reached a new level as the faction led by party president Jimmy Michael Akena has initiated disciplinary actions against several key members, including long-time rival Denis Adim Enap.
The UPC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) began hearings on August 31, with initial sessions held in Lira City on September 1. According to UPC Head of Media and Communications, Muzeyi Faizo, Mr. Enap and others were summoned for alleged violations of party discipline.
“The said members were referred to the Committee for alleged misconduct contrary to the UPC Constitution (2008 as amended) and the Party Rules of Procedure,” Muzeyi stated. While acknowledging that challenging the party president is permitted, Muzeyi clarified that the charges against Enap involve accusations of forging party stamps, letterheads, and seals, and misrepresenting himself to various agencies.
Several other party officials, including former Electoral Commission members Jack Khabusi and Natukunda Nawume Aisha, as well as regional and district party leaders, have also been summoned to appear before the NDC. The party leadership has stressed that the NDC operates as an independent body and its findings will be made public after the proceedings conclude.
However, Mr. Enap has vehemently rejected the legitimacy of the disciplinary panel. He argues that the committee lacks the authority to try him and is operating in contravention of court rulings concerning UPC’s leadership. Enap maintains his position as the legitimate party president and asserts that any committee structures under Akena’s administration became defunct upon the expiration of their tenure. He claims to have established his own party structures, including an Electoral Commission, and appointed a new disciplinary committee, deeming the current proceedings an “illegality.”
The outcome of these disciplinary hearings is anticipated to have a significant impact on the ongoing power struggle within the historic political party.