The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Parliamentary Caucus has reaffirmed its support for party president Jimmy James Akena, distancing itself from individuals it accuses of misrepresenting the position of party legislators on the leadership of UPC.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Maruzi County Member of Parliament Peter Obong Achuda said all 12 UPC legislators remain committed to the party constitution, the rule of law and the current leadership at the party headquarters.
Achuda dismissed reports suggesting that members of the Parliamentary Caucus do not recognise Akena’s leadership, challenging anyone claiming otherwise to make their position known publicly.
“We want to re-echo our position and stance on the press statement that we made on the 20th of this month, distancing ourselves from masqueraders who are moving up and down saying members of the Parliamentary Caucus do not support the legitimacy of Jimmy James Michael Akena as the party president,” Achuda said.
He said the caucus recognises the authority under which its members were nominated, arguing that any leadership changes within UPC must strictly follow the party constitution and established legal procedures.
“We subscribe to the stamps that were put on our nomination forms from this same floor under the stewardship of the current leadership, and we believe in the rule of law,” he said.
Achuda also welcomed individuals, civil society organisations and community groups interested in joining UPC, but cautioned against actions that could sow division within the party or destabilise the country.
“Any organisation, any CBO, any individuals who would wish to come and join Uganda People’s Congress in the fight for the welfare of the people of Uganda is welcomed. But it should not be in ways that cause fights, division or bloodshed in our party and this country,” he said.
Commenting on the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill, Achuda said the UPC Parliamentary Caucus would only take a position after lawmakers have scrutinised the contents of the legislation.
He also dismissed suggestions that the bill is being fronted by legislators associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), noting that its sponsor belongs to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“As members of Parliament, we are still waiting for the bill to come out so that we read through it and see whether it can pass or not,” Achuda said.
The caucus’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over the future leadership of UPC and broader discussions surrounding proposed constitutional amendments expected to be tabled before Parliament.
