UPC’s Akena vows to speak truth to power no matter the cost
By Bonny Otim Ogwal (bonny.otim@vol.co.ug)
Kalaki
President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy James Michael Akena Obote, has stated he is prepared to face imprisonment alongside fellow opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, for speaking out to liberate the country and advocate for good governance.
While speaking at a UPC mobilization event at Kalaki Primary School in Kalaki Town Council, Kalaki District, Akena expressed his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps, highlighting the sacrifices his father made for Uganda’s welfare.
Akena also pointed out the paradox in Uganda’s fisheries sector, where the country generates substantial revenue from fish sales, but the fishermen, who are the primary contributors, do not see significant benefits.
He emphasized the need for reforms to ensure those who contribute to the economy are fairly rewarded.
The vice chairman of UPC for the Teso Sub-region, Carls Peter Emukon, reflected on the party’s historical leadership, which once advocated for the welfare of all citizens.
He expressed the party’s commitment to restoring UPC’s role in the nation’s leadership, aiming to bring back Uganda’s lost glory.
Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, chairman of Amolatar District, highlighted UPC’s robust agenda to combat poverty in the Lango, Teso, and Acholi regions, stressing the party’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of these communities.
Meanwhile, Uganda People’s Congress Party President Jimmy Akena has criticized opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye for failing to denounce the one-party leadership in Uganda established by the NRM.
Akena stated that when the NRM took power, Dr. Besigye and other former bush war fighters who helped bring the NRM to power had agreed that only the NRA/NRM would lead on matters of human rights and governance.
While speaking at a mobilization rally at Kaburepoli Primary School in Ochero Sub County, Kaberamaido District, Akena urged Dr. Besigye, who founded the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and later the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), to condemn the system they had once agreed upon, which he believes has now backfired on him.
However, Akena pledged support for Dr. Besigye, acknowledging that the human rights violations he has suffered could happen to anyone.
Bonny Ogongson Otyama, the Chairperson of the People’s Front for Freedom in Lira District and Lira City, remarked that Dr. Kizza Besigye has long been an advocate for human rights and is one of the three former bush war heroes who have championed the fight for a multi-party system in Uganda.
