UPC protests MP Santa Alum’s ministerial appointment

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) says it has taken note of the appointment of Santa Alum to the position of Minister of State in the Office of the President, Economic Monitoring.

Alum, and more than 40 others were appointed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on May 26, 2026.

Alum, the Oyam District Woman MP, also served as UPC party whip in the 11th Parliament.

Although her appointment was cancelled late last year by Jimmy Akena in a letter to the then speaker Annet Anita Among, Alum was able to remain as Whip, all thanks to Among’s “ruling.”

Akena had replaced her with former Erute South MP, Odur Jonathan. Alum, seen as a congresswoman, had covertly been working with the ruling establishment – sources told tndNews, Uganda last year.

Perhaps UPC took note, with a decision to sack her for whipping her MPs in Parliament.

On Wednesday, UPC spoke about the Alum’s ministerial position. “UPC wishes to make it clear that the Party was neither consulted nor engaged regarding this appointment,” party leader Akena said.

He added that Santa Alum’s acceptance or service in the said position shall be understood as an individual decision and not a position taken by or on behalf of the Uganda Peoples Congress.

“UPC further clarifies that while the Party has submitted a proposed framework for possible future structured political engagement and discussions with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), no active cooperation agreement, governing arrangement, or formal working partnership presently exists between the two parties.”

The proposed framework submitted by UPC remains subject to discussion, consultation, mutual agreement, and the resolution of outstanding issues identified by the Party as necessary prerequisites for trust and meaningful engagement, according to Akena.

“UPC therefore remains an independent political party in opposition, guided by its constitutional structures, principles, and longstanding commitment to constitutionalism, democratic governance, national unity, social justice, and practicapeople-centreded development.

“The Party will continue advancing its own political and policy positions through Parliament, public engagement, and its broader national structures, while maintaining cordial and constructive working relationships with fellow representatives of the people of Uganda in the Twelfth Parliament across the political divide.”

The former Lira City East MP reiterated that official party positions and decisions can only arise through the appropriate constitutional organs and authorised processes of the Uganda Peoples Congress.