UPC protests appointment of Alum as state minister without consultation

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The president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena, has protested the appointment of Oyam District Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Santa Alum as Minister of State in the Office of the President for Economic Monitoring, saying the party was not consulted.

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Akena said: “UPC has taken note of the appointment of Alum to the position of minister of state as contained in the cabinet appointments released on May 26, 2026. UPC wishes to make it clear that the Party was neither consulted nor engaged regarding this appointment. Accordingly, Alum’s acceptance or service in the said position shall be understood as an individual decision and not a position taken by or on behalf of the UPC.”

Akena further noted that while UPC had submitted a proposed framework for possible future structured political engagement and discussions with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), no active cooperation agreement, governing arrangement or formal working partnership currently exists between the two parties.

“The proposed framework submitted by UPC remains subject to discussion, consultation, mutual agreement, and the resolution of outstanding issues identified by the Party as necessary prerequisites for trust and meaningful engagement. UPC therefore remains an independent political party in opposition, guided by its constitutional structures, principles, and longstanding commitment to constitutionalism, democratic governance, national unity, social justice, and practical people-centred development,” he said.

Akena added that the party would continue advancing its political and policy positions through Parliament, public engagement and its broader national structures, while maintaining cordial and constructive working relationships with fellow representatives of the people of Uganda in the 12th Parliament across the political divide.

“UPC further reiterates that official Party positions and decisions can only arise through the appropriate constitutional organs and authorised processes of the UPC,” he added.

President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday unveiled a new Cabinet for the 2026-2031 term, dropping 29 ministers, retaining several senior ministers, while making notable transfers and introducing new faces in key government positions.

Among those dropped was Akena’s wife, Betty Amongi, the former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Alum, who is serving her fourth term in Parliament, said she was grateful to President Museveni for the appointment.

“I am grateful to God, the appointing authority who is the President of the country and the people of Oyam for giving me this opportunity to serve at that level,” she said.