Akena defends meeting with Kyagulanyi, says it was for national unity

30 October 2025, 9:39 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) president, Hon. Jimmy Akena, has defended his recent meeting with National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, in Akokoro, Apac District.

The two leaders held discussions about Uganda’s politics before visiting the grave of former president and first prime minister, Dr. Milton Obote—who passed away two decades ago—where Kyagulanyi laid a wreath and a Ugandan flag in his honor.

However, the meeting attracted criticism from some individuals who questioned its purpose. Kyagulanyi was accompanied by the party’s deputy president for Northern Uganda, Dr. Lina Zedriga.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the UPC headquarters in Kampala, Akena explained that his engagement with Kyagulanyi aimed to promote dialogue on inclusive leadership and national unity. He emphasized that the UPC remains a non-tribal national party committed to serving all Ugandans.

“If I can sit with Museveni, I can sit with Kyagulanyi. If it’s about finding solutions to the problems affecting our country, I don’t have a problem discussing with anyone,” Akena said. “When I came in 2005, I found people living in camps—20 years in camps!”

On the issue of compensating people who lost cattle during past conflicts, Akena criticized the government’s plan to give five cows per household, saying it was inadequate. He noted that cattle are a major source of livelihood in Northern and Eastern Uganda, enabling families to pay school fees and meet other needs. He called for a comprehensive plan and budget to address the matter fairly.

Akena also revealed that he was deliberately blocked from contesting for the presidency and is pursuing all possible legal avenues to ensure he appears on the ballot among the already eight nominated candidates.

“If I get a red card in the Masaza Cup and am later called for national duty, that red card shouldn’t stop me,” he said. “Uganda is governed by the Constitution and the Presidential Elections Act. Was I stopped outside the law? Yes. Was it wrong? Yes, it was wrong. I continue to seek justice so I can put my message to the people of Uganda. I’m using every means possible to be on the ballot.”