The 50 year old party Uganda Peoples Congress(UPC) held its delegates conference yesterday in which the new leader was elected. The former UN Undersecretary General Mr.Olara Otunnu beat his closest rival Jimmy Akena who is also a son to former Ugandan President the late Apollo Milton Obote.

It is the first time the leadership of the party has shifted in 50 years. At 4:00am the former UN under Secretary General was announced as the winner with 628 votes out of 892 followed by Jimmy Akena who had 180 votes.

Mr. Jimmy Akena conceded defeat and in his words he said: "I do not look at this defeat as an end to itself. I see it as an opportunity to work harder; I see it as an opportunity to take the struggle to the grass roots"

Maama Miria Kalule Obote handed over to Olara Otunnu shortly after swearing in. This makes Olara Otunnu the UPC presidential candidate for the 2011 elections which are less than 10 months away.