Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala, Akena said political debates had overshadowed issues affecting millions of Ugandan children, arguing that leaders should focus on policies that shape the country's future.
"My cry and my concern is how do I stand before God when I know Ugandan children are starving?" Akena said.
He claimed that Uganda loses about 84,000 children every year before they reach the age of two, attributing the deaths to inadequate healthcare, medicine shortages and weak health infrastructure.
Akena said about 26 percent of Ugandan children—an estimated two million—are malnourished, warning that the condition undermines their physical and cognitive development, educational attainment and future productivity.
Quoting the World Health Organization's definition of stunting, he said chronic undernutrition limits children's physical and mental growth, reducing their ability to contribute to the country's development later in life.
"We have two million Ugandan children who may never reach their physical potential, never reach their cognitive potential, have poor educational performance, reduced work capacity and reduced economic productivity," he said.
He noted that while Uganda's malnutrition rate had declined from about 45 percent in the late 1980s to 26 percent today, rapid population growth meant the number of affected children remained unacceptably high.
Akena estimated that nearly 18 million Ugandan children have experienced malnutrition since 1986, saying many would continue to live with its long-term consequences.
"If the children are our future, what are we doing? Are we here to serve the economy, or should the economy serve the people?" he asked.
The UPC leader also criticised the state of the public healthcare system, arguing that interventions at individual hospitals would not address broader structural challenges. He contrasted the current situation with UPC's health policies in the 1960s and early 1970s, which he said prioritised expanding healthcare infrastructure and hospital capacity.
Akena challenged political leaders to engage him on policy issues instead of personal attacks, saying he was ready for a substantive debate on Uganda's development agenda.
"I want to debate policy with anybody," he said.
He also disclosed that President Museveni had previously offered him a Cabinet position, which he declined after consultations. He said he instead proposed that his wife serve in government.
"I consulted deeply, I prayed, and I told the President I could not take the position," Akena said.
He said the decision reflected his commitment to the office of the presidency rather than political compromise.
Akena further revealed that despite disagreements with the government during the 2026 election period, he submitted policy proposals to State House, including recommendations to expand Uganda's export capacity through regional airports and cold-storage facilities.
According to Akena, one of those proposals later informed government discussions on developing an airport cargo hub.
He also cautioned against what he described as the growing tendency to prejudge court cases through social media commentary before due process is completed.
"Sentencing is done by courts after hearing cases. People are now being sentenced on Twitter before investigations or trial," he said.
Akena concluded by urging leaders to invest in children's welfare instead of political confrontation, saying Uganda's future depends on nurturing the next generation.
"I will continue to speak for the people of Uganda, especially the children who have no voice," he said.