Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena has made a strong public statement about his personal safety, claiming that his life and those of people close to him are under threat from individuals he associates with the government. Despite the alleged threats, the opposition leader says he has no intention of abandoning his fight for human rights and political accountability.

Akena, the son of former President Apollo Milton Obote, made the remarks while speaking to journalists, where he expressed concern about what he described as a threatening environment facing opposition figures and other leaders who openly criticise government actions.

During his address, Akena repeatedly questioned the conduct of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, alleging that the military chief wanted to put him in a basement. He suggested that the language surrounding the alleged threats had become a source of concern for him and those around him.

“Yes, my life is under threat. It has been under threat, like many other leaders. We live under threat,” Akena said, adding that the situation sometimes affected people he loves and cares about.

However, the UPC leader delivered a defiant message, saying personal safety would not make him abandon what he considers a bigger struggle for Uganda’s future. He said he was prepared to face the consequences rather than remain silent while the rights and opportunities of ordinary Ugandans were threatened.

“Whether you threaten me in the basement, I am ready to go and be put in the ground at the feet of my father. But the children of Uganda should have a future and a fighting chance to make it in life,” he said.

Beyond the security concerns, Akena turned his attention to Muhoozi’s political activities, particularly the collection of signatures and public endorsements associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which the CDF leads. He questioned whether such political mobilisation was consistent with the constitutional requirement that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces remain non-partisan, citing Article 208 of the Constitution.

Akena also accused political discussions surrounding Muhoozi’s possible presidential ambitions of taking attention away from urgent problems affecting ordinary citizens. He raised concerns about child hunger, claiming that 26 per cent of Ugandan children were starving, and challenged political leaders to explain how they intended to address such challenges.

“If you want to be president, show us what you can do. Show us your policies. Show us the alternatives,” Akena said, arguing that Ugandans deserve clear solutions rather than endless debate about political ambitions.

The UPC leader maintained that his recent engagements with political leaders across Africa had strengthened his determination to speak for Ugandans. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate over military involvement in political activities, constitutional accountability and the safety of opposition figures. The alleged threats he described have not been independently established in the account.