Lira | The UPC and NRM represent two sides of the same coin. For those who are curious, Jimmy Akena’s presidential candidacy has nothing to do with his UPC’s urgent journey to the State House.
It also has nothing to do with members’ desire to reclaim top office, but rather a strong attempt to consolidate a political deal with the NRM.
The presidency would be extremely beneficial to the UPC as a party, but their primary need for survival in the current volatile political environment created by the regime will always leave Akena and his members with two options.
It is important to note that, in contrast to UPC, I do not believe that NRM enjoys true support in Lango. People’s scattered support is primarily for survival in a rather unpredictable political environment created by their own party, the NRM.
Those with business interests support NRM because it protects their companies from sabotage, also, those with political interests support NRM to evade political sabotage.
Also read: What NRM-ONC and UPC boast and think about in their quest for Lango dominion in 2026
It is now widely understood that associating with the opposition in Uganda is almost criminal. Only a few people take the risk of becoming involved in opposition activities.
Those with weak hearts and a voracious appetite would rather be slaves to NRM while he is certain of food.
Again, it is no surprise that the so-called UPC opposition is serving the NRM’s interests over their own.
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We are all aware that UPC members hold positions in the NRM government, including ministers, ambassadors, RDCs, and strategic political appointments.
To me, the NRM-UPC politics are more of a political deal than serving Ugandans’ needs in terms of service delivery.
Akena may be on the ballot, but his personal interests, as well as those of a few members of his party, are based on survival rather than political relevance.
Political parties like the UPC will be used as long as the NRM and President Museveni are in power, with cakes and bottles of wine offered to them along with the assurance that they will take over next.
And as NRM does so, it transforms into a typical fox: cunning and resilient, but full of mischief while in power.
The Congress will accept any bone thrown at them as long as it means survival and the possibility of occupying the State House the next day.
The writer is a political commentator who ran for MP seat in the previous general election.
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