Akena sacks MP Santa Alum as UPC whip in Parliament

Embattled UPC party leader Jimmy James Michael Akena has sacked the Oyam district woman MP Santa Alum Ogwang from her juicy Parliamentary role.

Alum, who’s facing a serious challenger Jane Frances Acilo to retain her Oyam woman MP seat in January, was sacked through an official statement dated November 18 by Akena.

Alum, sources say, has defied Akena’s directive to all UPC leaders and supporters not to support President Museveni in his reelection bid.

Akena who was highly expected to stand for President in the forthcoming general election, was barred by the Electoral Commission (EC) on legal grounds.

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, EC chairperson, citing the UPC party constitution and court rulings on UPC matters involving Akena, and others, found Lira City East MP ineligible to be nominated as a presidential candidate.

After he was barred from contest, Akena turned his guns on Museveni, saying the 81-year-old played against his “long-time Presidential ambitions”.

Subsequently, Akena announced to his party leaders and supporters that they should never cast their votes for Museveni.

Unfortunately, his directive was defied by a lady he appointed to be the Party’s Whip in the 11th Parliament.

Throughout her campaigns, Alum is telling UPC supporters and members to vote for her and President Museveni. This, goes against what Akena directed, a source said.