KAMPALA – The Court of Appeal has ordered Jimmy Akena out of the presidency of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, saying that he was not legitimately elected into the position.
In a joint ruling issued by justices Elizabeth Musoke, Izama Madrama and Irene Mulyagonja, UPC must immediately organize party elections to maintain the credibility of the party.
“It’s now five years down the road and Hon Akena continues to execute duties of President of the party albeit resulting from an illegal process which was quashed in 2015,” Court stated.
The court explained that UPC’s credibility will continue to be soiled if its leadership is not brought into office in conformity with provisions of their constitution ,Political Parties and Organisations Act and the Constitution of Uganda.
“In conclusion, this appeal is dismissed. The members of Uganda People’s Congress should conduct nominations and elect a president in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of Uganda,” Justice Irene Mulyagonja said in her lead judgment.
Akena had gone to the Court of Appeal challenging a 2015 High Court in 2015 declaration that he was not the legitimate UPC president.
In the judgment delivered by the Deputy Registrar of Court of Appeal Mary Babirye, the judges ruled that if the past errors (illegal process) are not rectified through organizing of elections as provided for under both party and National laws, the party leadership will continue to be doubted.
