Akena to work with Museveni, denies selling UPC

By Hudson Apunyo

Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party embattled president Jimmy Akena said he will not abuse president Yoweri Museveni because the later abused his father but work with him for smooth transition of power in 2021to avoid problem in the country.

Jimmy Akena, the incumbent MP for Lira Municipality is traversing the constituency seeking for re-election.

While speaking to a big crowd at Lira Modern village, Adyel Division on Monday, Akena said there are some people condemning him for associating with President Museveni who abused his father but he does not have to abuse Museveni because that is over.

Akena receives a sheep from people of Starch Factory Village during his campaign. Photo by Hudson Apunyo

"For me, I believe, let God be God." He said.  "The God I believe in knows everything which has happened in Uganda, those who have been killed, those who have suffered, those who lost opportunity. I cannot be judge of anybody but use the opportunity God has given me to work for the people of Uganda," he said to wild cheers and ululation from the audience, most of them women, youth and children.

Akena urged those still holding grudges in their hearts to reconsider for the sake of healing the country such that the children will have opportunity anywhere in Uganda.

On the issue of crossing to NRM, Akena said he is not going anywhere. There has been accusation that Akena is a mole in UPC.

"The early part of my life, I spent in Tanzania, did I become Tanzanian? I went and studied in Kenya, did I become Kenyan? I went and studied in UK, did I become British? I went for second exile in Zambia for 20 years, did I become Zambian? When I went to talk to Kony, did I become LRA? I am UPC," Akena said.

Akena said if it's in the interest of Uganda, he will talk to anybody.
 
"Right now we are looking for way to 2021, can I not talk to anybody?"  He said he needs to ensure that he gets smoothest way of 2021 without problems in Uganda.

Without giving names, Akena recognized some people he said made UPC a reality. He said UPC was born when the British had ruled Uganda for 70 years and there was no sign that Africans and Ugandans would be able to govern themselves but there were those who believed that it was possible.
 
"Before independents they believed that we could govern ourselves and by that belief, they were able to galvanise themselves and lead Uganda to independence."

Akena maintained that he has made a commitment to organize UPC now so that by 2021, they know where they are going
"When you are going somewhere important, and you know where you are going, you cannot stop to throw stones at every backing dogs." He said in rederence to those who have been attacking him.

Akena said when there is a problem, you don't need to go and shout to the neighbours but sit down with your wife and talk it over.

He urged the people to be part of the dream the pioneers of the country had for Uganda.
 
"Fire is burning across Uganda, it's up to us to kindle that fire. We must work together for a better future," he stated.
On Sunday, Akena campaigned at Starch Factory Village, Adyel Division and told a large crowd that in 2021, he will be in power as president of Uganda.

The people gave him two doves and a sheet.

Akena said even if he is abused, or taken to court, he will remain quiet and keep working for the people of Lira Municipality, Lango and Uganda.

He said his father told him that when working for the people, he should not abuse people.

Akena is attracting multitudes on the campaign trail, with UPC patriotic songs blaring from loudspeakers mounted on a tipper lorry.