Leaders from the FDC and UPC in Lango have strongly criticised Jimmy Akena for urging voters to write his name on January 15 ballot papers. Importantly, he does not appear on the official presidential ballot. They argue this advice misleads supporters and weakens democracy.
FDC’s Joel Okao Otema called the move reckless. “Spoiling ballots won’t stop the winner from taking office,” he said. Moreover, it does not help UPC supporters or advance national goals. In fact, it distracts from key issues like governance and development.
Otema accused Akena of making politics personal. “He has influence,” Otema noted. “Therefore, he should use it to rally people around national issues—not side issues.” He also said Akena must own his failure to qualify for the ballot.
Contrary to Akena’s claims, Otema denied that the Electoral Commission blocked him unfairly. “The law allows anyone to run if they meet basic requirements,” he explained. Since other opposition candidates qualified, Otema said Akena alone caused his exclusion. Unless UPC fixes internal weaknesses—like poor organisation—it will keep failing, he warned.
UPC’s Jimmy Awany echoed these concerns. He recalled that since Akena returned from exile in 2005, UPC backed Museveni in 2011, 2016, and 2021. “We hoped UPC would compete nationally by 2026,” Awany said. “But that has not happened.”
Additionally, Awany cited the UPC constitution. It bars the party president from running as a presidential candidate. He also questioned Akena’s consistency, given past ties to the ruling party—including his wife’s Cabinet appointment.
Instead of spoiling ballots, Awany urged supporters to vote for one of the eight listed candidates. He openly backed President Museveni. “If you’re not on the ballot, how will voters take you seriously in 2031?” he asked.
Finally, Awany asked Lango elders to speak with Akena. He stressed the dispute could isolate the region from national politics. “This isn’t about personal feelings,” he said. “Lango must focus on development—not intrigue or hatred.”
As polls near, the Jimmy Akena ballot advice criticism shows rising opposition frustration. More voices now demand clear, issue-based leadership—not gestures that confuse voters or waste their vote.
