The president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena Obote, has issued a stern warning to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), declaring that his party will no longer tolerate unchecked government actions as he ramps up mobilisation in the Lango Subregion.
Speaking to hundreds of supporters in Kakoge Ward, Lira City West Division on Monday, Akena—son of former two-time Ugandan President Milton Obote—pledged to hold the ruling party accountable.
“We will not give NRM the space to continue down this path. Beware NRM, I am going to bring you to your knees because what you are doing is wrong. I will not give you the space to do so,” Akena said.
He was rallying support for UPC candidates ahead of the forthcoming campaigns, including his wife, Betty Amongi, who is contesting the Lira City Woman Member of Parliament seat.
Amongi, currently Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, faces competition from Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng of NRM and independent candidate Patricia Aceng.
Despite his wife’s role in government, Akena remained critical of NRM, accusing the ruling party of prioritising self-preservation over national development.
“If you think that protecting your personal gains is more important than the people of Uganda, we cannot accept that. Uganda must work for the people of Uganda,” he said, dismissing NRM’s reelection slogan, “Protecting the Gains,” as disconnected from citizens’ realities.
Akena’s speech, marked by personal reflections and political determination, emphasized resilience.
“Right now you are seeing Akena who is not happy. Akena has been hurt. Akena has cried, but Akena has not given up. Whether they put me down or I get up—until they finish me—I must keep going. We have not given up, and we will continue until we succeed,” he said.
He also unveiled what he described as a “formidable team of UPC candidates” and urged supporters to rally behind the party ahead of the 2026 elections.
Akena’s remarks come amid ongoing legal and political battles to secure his place on the 2026 presidential ballot after being blocked by the Electoral Commission over alleged breaches and court orders.
His message signals a heightened confrontational stance against the ruling party as Uganda approaches the general elections.
