Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena has called for genuine political dialogue with the ruling National Resistance Movement Government insisting that negotiations must address electoral credibility, unequal treatment of political parties and the country’s wider social challenges.
Akena said he was open to meeting President Yoweri Museveni but warned that dialogue would be meaningless without honesty, respect for the law and a willingness to address concerns raised by opposition parties.
Speaking to journalists at the UPC headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, he described the recent general elections as neither free nor credible, arguing that political parties should not be expected to accept an electoral outcome they believe does not reflect the will of voters.
“This is a republic. A republic entails that the presidency is subject to the will of the people. I am part of those people, and for me, I don’t accept what is being put on the table,” he said.
The UPC leader questioned how meaningful negotiations could take place when opposition leaders allegedly face intimidation, arrests and restrictions on their political activities.
He said he remained committed to Uganda despite concerns about his personal safety, insisting that he had no intention of abandoning the country after spending about 20 years participating in its politics.
“This is my country. I have no other country,” he said.
Akena also criticised what he described as the growing focus on presidential ambitions at the expense of issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, particularly children’s education, health and nutrition.
He raised concern over figures indicating that about one-quarter of children below five years suffer from malnutrition, while more than half of those who enrol in primary school reportedly fail to reach Primary Leaving Examination level.
“How do we talk about the future of Uganda when we cannot talk about the future of those who should be taking Uganda forward?” he asked.
Akena said discussions with the NRM should follow established structures under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), beginning with the council before progressing to the summit.
He accused the ruling party of failing to convene IPOD summits for several years when it held the chairmanship and questioned the implementation of agreements on political party funding.
He specifically cited Section 14B of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, saying the law should be respected to ensure fair treatment of political parties.
Akena also criticised the involvement of military personnel in political activities, arguing that constitutional provisions governing the armed forces, particularly Article 208, must be respected.
Beyond domestic politics, he called for practical steps to strengthen East African integration, including reducing delays at border crossings, improving road infrastructure and promoting Kiswahili as a language of regional trade and communication.
He said Uganda should also explore wider trade opportunities beyond its traditional dependence on the Port of Mombasa.
Akena maintained that UPC would continue participating in Parliament, strengthening its structures and presenting alternative policies despite the challenges facing opposition parties.
He said political negotiations should not be used to silence criticism or weaken opposition leadership, adding that Uganda’s future must be built around democratic accountability and opportunities for its young people.
“The children of Uganda deserve a future, and that future cannot be held hostage because somebody wants to be president,” he said.
