The Electoral Commission (EC) has barred the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) from fielding a presidential candidate in the 2026 elections, citing internal constitutional breaches and binding court orders that have thrown the party into deeper disarray. Convened to clarify who the commission could legally recognise as the party’s presidential flag bearer, the gathering instead exposed the depth of UPC’s leadership crisis. He advised UPC to respect its constitution and abide by standing court rulings governing the party’s leadership. 148 of 2025, which ruled that Akena had already served the maximum two terms permitted under the UPC constitution. Despite its historic role, UPC has spent decades grappling with internal factionalism, dwindling electoral influence, and an inability to adapt to Uganda’s shifting political landscape.