By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena has offered himself as a bridge to mediate dialogue between President Yoweri Museveni and opposition leaders, saying Uganda needs leaders who can work together for the common good rather than deepen divisions.
Speaking during his end-of-year address at the party headquarters, Uganda House in Kampala, Akena said he believes he is uniquely placed to engage all political actors, including National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
“My dream has been to be a bridge, a mediator, somebody who can talk to all sides,” Akena said, adding that Uganda’s diversity should be a source of strength, not division.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of self-serving individuals around President Museveni.
“My fear, which is coming to pass, is that many of those players without scruples, without morals and without ideology have surrounded the President,” Akena said.
Akena argued that political cooperation is key to unlocking Uganda’s economic potential, noting that political independence alone is insufficient to meet citizens’ aspirations.
“The task before us is immense. Political independence alone will not satisfy the aspirations of our people. We must strive for economic independence, social justice and the eradication of ignorance, poverty and disease. These are the real enemies we must defeat,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2026 general election, Akena advised whoever is elected President to consider adopting good ideas from rival candidates’ manifestos for national development.
“Manifestos are not copyrighted. If there is a brilliant idea that can help the people of Uganda, why waste time? Take it and implement it,” he said.
Asked whether he would accept an appointment to serve in any government after the 2026 elections, Akena declined to comment directly, saying his focus was on easing political tensions where possible.
“If there is something I can do which can ease tensions, I will do it. I will always be available if I am needed and where it can help, but I will not impose myself,” he said.
In his Christmas message, Akena urged Ugandans to be frugal during the festive season, warning against excessive spending ahead of the new school term. He also called on citizens to participate in the ongoing electoral processes, reiterating his earlier appeal to voters not to support President Museveni, but to consider alternative candidates in the presidential race.
