By Okello E. Moses,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President, Jimmy Akena, has criticized Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire for attempting to dictate how the party fields its candidates in elections. Akena made these remarks during a weekly press briefing at the UPC headquarters in Uganda House, Kampala, on Wednesday.
“We are two different parties. In every election, I have contested against the NRM (National Resistance Movement). What is your problem? Are you scared of competition?” Akena remarked in response to Otafiire’s comments.
Last week, while in Lira City, Minister Otafiire called on the UPC to honor a purported Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties, suggesting that UPC should refrain from fielding candidates in the same electoral areas where the NRM has candidates. He also advised Oyam South Member of Parliament Betty Amongi, a UPC stalwart and Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to focus on her current constituency and leave the Lira City Woman MP seat for Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, an NRM member.
Otafiire made the remarks as the chief guest at a festival organized by the Lira United Motorcycle Association (LUMBA), where Aceng serves as the patron. Ironically, LUMBA was founded by Akena in 2011.
In his speech, Otafiire argued that Amongi should remain in Oyam South to serve her constituents, while Aceng continues to represent Lira City.
However, Akena refuted the existence of any such MoU, emphasizing that UPC and NRM operate independently and that no agreement binds them to avoid fielding candidates against each other.
“Otafiire has no locus standi to dictate to UPC on who it should field for any elective position. Let democracy take its course,” Akena said.
Known for his blunt remarks, Otafiire is no stranger to controversy. In the past, he has advised the late Democratic Party President Paul Ssemogerere to rear ducks and referred to the Buganda Kingdom’s Mengo establishment as an NGO. Even within the NRM, his outspoken nature has often stirred debate.
The upcoming Lira City Woman MP race between Aceng and Amongi is shaping up to be a monumental contest. Both women are well-educated, intelligent, and resilient, with Amongi bringing extensive experience in elective politics.
