Speaking during a press briefing, Akena said historical records show that Obote promoted unity, democracy and equal rights for Ugandans, contrary to what he described as negative portrayals of the former president.
“The Milton Obote I know is very different from the one which President Museveni was describing yesterday. I refuse to accept that label, and I can prove it through the words and the deeds,” Akena said.
Akena referenced speeches and documents from the 1970s and 1980s, arguing that Obote consistently advocated for national unity and rejected revenge or discrimination based on ethnicity or political affiliation.
However, the UPC leader said Uganda should spend less time revisiting historical disagreements and instead focus on addressing the challenges facing children, whom he said are at risk of an uncertain future due to poverty and malnutrition.
“Two million Ugandan children today, as I speak in 2026, are stunted. Their future is going to be bleak before they enter Primary One,” he said.
Akena also raised concerns over increasing levels of hunger and the rising cost of living, saying many households continue to struggle despite reports of economic growth.
The UPC president further commented on recent school transport accidents involving learners, calling for a balanced approach that protects children’s safety while also supporting their overall development.
“We cannot compromise safety and safety must be paramount. But we must also look at the holistic development of our children. They must be competitive with any child anywhere in the world,” Akena noted.
He said Uganda has the capacity to address challenges such as food insecurity and improve social services if leaders prioritise practical solutions instead of focusing on political divisions.