The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several prominent party figures, including Mr Denis Adim Enap, a long-time rival to party president Mr Jimmy Michael Akena.
The move marks the latest chapter in a protracted leadership feud that continues to test the cohesion of one of Uganda’s oldest political parties.
The proceedings, conducted by the UPC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), commenced on August 31, with initial hearings taking place on September 1 in Lira City.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala, UPC Head of Media and Communications Mr Muzeyi Faizo confirmed that Mr Enap and several others were summoned for alleged breaches 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,’ Mr Muzeyi said.
While Mr Enap’s appearance is politically charged given his history of challenging Mr Akena’s claim to the presidency, party officials insist the charges are purely administrative rather than political.
‘Contesting and challenging the president’s position is allowed, but for this case, he [Mr Enap] is accused of forging the party stamp, party letterhead, party seals, and false pretense, under which he wrote to different agencies in the name of the party president, which he is not,’ Mr Muzeyi stated.
Beside Mr Enap, the committee is hearing cases against former party Electoral Commission officials Mr Jack Khabusi, Ms Natukunda Nawume Aisha, and Mr Magero Emmanuel Were. Others summoned include Hon. Achola Suzan, former UPC Lango Regional Vice Chairperson Mr Ongom Chris, former Kwania District LCV Chairperson Mr Ogwal Adyebo Alex, former Kole District UPC Chairperson Mr Ewal George, and Ms Babirye Josephine.
UPC leadership emphasized that the NDC remains an independent organ and that its findings will be made public upon conclusion.
‘We wish to emphasize that the Committee is an independent organ of the Party and shall communicate the outcome of the ongoing proceedings at an appropriate time in accordance with established procedures,’ Mr Muzeyi added.
Enap dismisses panel as ‘illegal’
When contacted for comment, Mr Enap rejected the authority of the disciplinary panel, arguing that it lacks the mandate to try him and is operating in defiance of existing court rulings regarding UPC’s leadership.
Maintaining that he is the legitimate party president, Mr Enap claimed that all committee structures under Mr Akena’s administration lapsed when their official tenure expired.
‘The tenure of that disciplinary committee ended under Akena’s leadership. Ever since I was declared party president, all committees under Akena stopped working,’ Mr Enap said.
He further asserted that he has since instituted his own administrative structures to manage party affairs.
‘I appointed the party Electoral Commission and the disciplinary committee that exists is under the chairmanship of John Bosco Omara. So whatever they are doing is an illegality and in contempt of the High Court ruling that stopped Akena from being president,’ Mr Enap added.
The outcome of the disciplinary hearings is expected to significantly impact the party’s internal political landscape as factions continue to vie for control of the historic organization.