“This is very sad and regrettable! UPC calls upon perpetrators of violence to recognize that Uganda and her citizens are above everything else in their duty of command,” Jimmy Akena, UPC party president says in his end-of-year message on Wednesday in Kampala.
Kampala – December 23, 2020: Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) party says she condemns any kind of violence against Ugandans. As signatories to the recently launched scheme by NIMD/IPOD, which ‘UPC dully participated and affirmed “I Choose Peace” campaign’.
In his last address of the year 2020 held at Uganda House, the UPC headquarters Wednesday, Akena discussed nine key issues, from the economy, Covid-19, elections and politics, among others.
“Uganda and the rest of the world are ending the year 2020 with enormous challenges! Some are of global proportion, others local. The Covid-19 pandemic has besieged Uganda and the world and we all experienced what a “lockdown” meant to both domestic and global economy that led to the collapse of a number of businesses,” he says.
The UPC principal says those (businesses) which managed to survive “are limping as the market base is very weak and others are yet to re-open to full capacity with extra precaution as part of the strategy to control the pandemic,” “These challenges of enormous propensity are putting the world on its knees!”
Mr Akena who is also the Lira Municipality MP (contesting for Lira City East Division in the forthcoming elections) says “UPC is notably concerned about the worrying situation of Covid-19 in Uganda with now over 31,000 cases and 238 deaths!”
“On behalf of UPC members and my own behalf, I send our heartfelt condolences to the Government and families of the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister late Al-hajji Rt. Hon. Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, late Hon. Robina Ssentongo, late Hon. Rehema Watongola, Hon. Faith Alupo and all other families that have lost their loved ones to Covid-19 and even those attending to the sick ones.”
He saluted efforts of scientists and training research centres like Makerere University, Uganda Virus Research Institute and Ministry of Health, which he says “lead efforts to promising treatment cures and immunization reach”.
“It is extremely glorifying to hear this from our indigenous institutions. However, we are reliably informed that Uganda has a limited number of breathing support machines and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). UPC implores the Government to upgrade our infrastructure and have facilities that can handle among other things Covid-19 pandemic.”
Mr Akena whose office has continuously been contested noted that “a lot of funds and technical expertise is needed in researching about Covid-19 pandemic and its treatment as well as control,” adding that “UPC commends countries like Russia, Britain and USA who have taken a lead with vaccinations for this pandemic. UPC calls upon leading nations in development and international bodies like; World Health Organisation (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) as well as resourced bodies to take a giant step in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The need for an economic stimulus package is long overdue and it should be done as the case was after the 1st world war and Second World War.”
Politics and 2021 elections
“As the country comes closer to January 2021 pulls, UPC has been keenly following the campaign electoral violence in the country and seems to ‘be spiralling flowing presidential campaigns trail’. Nearly all candidates have cried out, the public fall victims and police/security is seen battling citizens. Others have fallen victims, some left maimed with ghastly sights. This is very sad and regrettable! UPC calls upon perpetrators of violence to recognize that Uganda and her citizens are above everything else in their duty of command.”
“UPC condemns any kind of violence. As signatories to the recently launched scheme by NIMD/IPOD, which UPC dully participated and affirmed “I Choose Peace” campaign. UPC, therefore, chooses peace over any other means as a tool for managing successful elections in this country and thereafter,” he asserted.
He also says UPC’s focus is on mobilization, which is centred on rebuilding strong party structures as we move forward to taking again the leadership of this country democratically. And all the plans for conducting party elections from grassroots to the top leadership had been set and were due to begin in March 2020.
“This is the time the lockdown was formally announced and every political activity frozen. By the time the lockdown was lifted on some activities in June, Electoral Commission (EC) had already released the general revised roadmap for 2021 elections and UPC had to catch up with that roadmap by adjusting party activities to allow us to take part in the general elections.” “The party was on the forefront to lead by example and held its Delegates Conference that elected the new/renewed party leadership and adopted the UPC Manifesto for 2021-2026 on 1st August 2020 at Kasangati Resort Hotel, Wakiso District. This is a historical day for UPC and a very big achievement which the party is proud of.
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“The new/renewed leadership of the party carried out party primaries (nominations) successfully thus giving an opportunity for the party to register a number of flag bearers at various political levels across the country. I want to thank all branch leaders and members for the job well done of identifying party flag bearers,” he commended his team.
The Obote’s son says UPC (our) biggest task now is to continue focusing on mobilizing support as well as campaigning for the party candidates. “Please ensure deriving your message from the party manifesto that reflects on the concerns of the people in the communities. As the leadership, we are trying our level best to make sure that the party flag bearers are helped within our means.”
“While we are busy focusing on mobilizing support for UPC flag bearers, there are other people who are trying to divert the attention of party members and supporters as well. I want to reiterate my message and warning to that clique of individuals that, I will never, never allow the WILL of UPC members to be undermined by whoever you think you are! So long as I am still breathing, I will make sure within my capacity as President to protect that WILL! You, DETRACTORS, enough is enough and stand warned!”
“Regrettably, the party has throughout this year lost a number of its leaders, founder members and cadres across the country! The recent one is the death of the party district Chairperson of Kampala Hajji Buruhan Ssekibinge! Others have been and are bedridden. This is happening at a time when the party has meagre resources, but we have tried where possible to extend some support to them. Members, let us stand up and observe a moment of silence in honour of our fallen comrades! May Their Souls Rest In Peace!”
As we go through the festive season, he says, “we need to be very careful and change our ways of celebration due to challenges of Covid-19. Our travels from cities to upcountry should be minimized with the view of limiting congestion”
Mr Akena and his entire UPC members wished Ugandans “a Merry Christmas, peaceful elections and prosperous new year, 2021!”
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