UPC requires rebuilding to enable it capture power again

By Godfrey Ojore     

Uganda People's Congress party aspiring presidential candidate Julius Ocen has revealed that the party needs to be rebuilt and rebranded to enable it capture power again.

Ocen said that UPC failure to capture power from the current regime is due to lack of vibrant leadership and effective internal party organization.

"A party of UPC caliber and profile requires vibrant leadership and I am hereby offering myself to provide that most needed capability in order to secure a bright future of the party," Ocen said.

Ocen, the former Amuria district LC5 is among the seven candidates cleared by their party electoral commission to vie for the presidency to replace Dr. Olara Otunu.

Julius Ocen and a party supporter from Lango addressing the media in Soroti town on Monday. PHOTO/Godfrey Ojore

According to the press release by Canon Andrew Nyote, the party EC, the seven candidates who have fulfilled the required requirements and returned the forms are Joseph Bossa, Edward Kakonge, Benson Ogwal-Obua, Julius Ocen, Dan Okello, David Pulkol and Sam Wandeka Musamali.

"I strongly believe that we can restore our position and former glory in the body politics of Uganda and it's possible for UPC to win the 2016 elections," Ocen said.

Ocen explained that UPC's future now lies in the hands of young party members like him to restore the party from its death bed.

"At 42 years I am still young and vibrant to steer UPC greater heights. We need to work with our allies and friends to cause meaningful change in our country," Ocen said.

Ocen also attacked some party members who are critical of Olara Otunnu who they accuse of failing the party to learn to be appreciative of the few good things he has done.

"Otunnu is not God or an angel but a human being with shortcomings just like any other person so let us not dig out negatives alone because that cannot help us. We now need to move forward not talking about the past," Ocen said.

Ocen has served under both Mama Miria Obote and Otunnu's leadership as UPC national vice chairperson in charge Northern Uganda and assistant secretary general respectively.

According to the party road map the Presidential candidates begin canvassing support on April 27 from districts for endorsement.

The delegate's conference where the new party president is to be elected is due on June 12 where Otunnu will handover instruments of power to the new leader who will hold the party flag for 2016.

Ocen early declared interest to contest for Kapelebony County parlimentary seat occupied by Dr. Peter Eriaku.

When asked whether his new plans to run for the party top leadership shall see him back off from contesting for MP seat, Ocen said he will still run for MP.

"That is not the matter to worry anybody because CP party has its party President in parliament," Ocen responded.