Akena vows to protect the WILL of UPC members

Kampala—3, September 2020: Addressing the media for the first time since retaining his top seat in a lone party presidential race, Jimmy Akena has vowed to protect the party

Mr Akena was confirmed to lead the party for the next five years (2^nd term) during the August 1, 2020 national delegates’ conference held in Wakiso district.

During a press conference on Thursday, 3 September 2020, he told the press that “the party is in its final touches of internal processes in readiness for 2020/2021 general elections”. So far, he says: “Party primaries for LCIII Chairpersons and Sub-County councillors are done, waiting for nominations by Independent Electoral Commission on 21 September—1 October 2020.”

UPC party’s electoral commission has also extended deadline for nominations of aspirants for MPs from 25 September to 11 September this year. “This new development is purposely to give party electoral commission (PEC) enough time to prepare election materials,” he added.

On behalf of the UPC PEC, Akena also announced that elections for special interest groups at various levels are ongoing, congratulating UPC candidates who went through at both village and parish levels.

“I want to reiterate my position that I will never, never allow the WILL of UPC members at all levels to be undermined by whoever you think you are. I will make sure in my capacity to protect that WILL. I call upon members and all people to rally their support behind UPC flag bearers in general elections,” he urged, with emphasis.

Asked about UPC fronting a presidential candidate in the forthcoming election, Akena, who’s also the Lira Municipality MP, upheld his previous statements.

He says it’s not about getting a 15 minutes fame as a presidential aspirant, adding that he’s determined to take UPC to the next level.

Responding to decision by Dr Dickson Opul and Dr Dan Okello who are popularising their 2021 presidential candidatures on UPC ticket, Akena says none of the above men picked nomination forms for position of party presidency.

“In UPC, a party president is a presidential flag bearer unlike in FDC party,” he says, adding: “Should such be a case, it would need a constitutional amendment.”

“Dr Opul picked forms for a Member of Parliament, not a presidential candidate,” he continued.

In 2010, he says Dr Opul stood for party presidency with him against Dr Ambassador John Olara Otunu, the then party president.

The following year, 2011, Akena says Dr Opul stood as an independent candidate for the Oyam North MP seat.

He said nothing about Dr Okello Dan’s candidature.

However, speaking to this digital publication on phone Thursday afternoon, Isaah Otto Amiza who subscribes to Peter Walubiri’s leadership as its Secretary General, reveals that Dr Opul and Dr Okello Dan, and three others picked presidential nomination forms from his office (Office of the UPC Secretary General).

Mr Otto added that they are not aware that UPC is not presenting a presidential candidate in the 2021 polls, adding that “we are preparing for our national delegates’ conference”.

UPC under Akena still insist they will not battle for presidency in the coming polls. The leader has often urged congressmen and women to support UPC party flag bearers in different elections.

Asked repeatedly a presidential aspirant UPC members should vote for in the coming elections, he paused, smiled and gave no answer.

Another question he gave no clear answer was whether he will ever contest for national presidency on UPC ticket. He answered: “….i don’t want to talk into the 2015 elections….”

Akena’s second term as party leader will end in 2025, one year to the next general elections in 2026.

UPC opposes Covid-19 testing fee

“We thank Government, Ugandans and all people from different walks of life for their efforts in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 virus, especially the daily routine testing of people to identify positive cases. However, as UPC, we oppose the Government’s move to charge Ugandans who are just recovering from but not limited to financial loss due to the virus threats, a fee of UGX 240,500 for Covid-19 test. This is not only unaffordable by the Ugandan citizenry but also undermines our efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19, as very few people will turn up for testing because of financial problems.”

With that backdrop in mind, says Akena, UPC urges government to declare and or carry out Covid-19 tests free of charge as it is the case with face masks among other measures.

“The citizens of Uganda and all people are encouraged to continue with the fight against this pandemic and ensure adherence to health guidelines as we move forward,” Akena urges.