Lira, Uganda | Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party President Jimmy James Michael Akena has dismissed claims that his recent political posture was driven by personal hostility toward Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, saying his actions were guided by principle rather than vendetta.
Responding to a question on QFM’s Yite-Twolo Talk-Back Morning Show by host Omara Elem on whether he had taken issues with Obua personally or was attempting to send a political message to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Akena explained that his decisions should be understood within the broader context of party discipline, political integrity and long-term ideological consistency.
He revealed that after missing out on the presidential ballot, many supporters urged him to contest for Parliament in Ajuri County, but he declined and instead chose to support the party’s candidate Fred Jalameso.
He said that taking an independent route would have damaged the party and exposed him to accusations of destroying UPC from within.
Turning to the state of development in Lango, Akena cautioned against what he described as an exaggerated celebration of government achievements.
He questioned claims around recent health sector developments, noting that while leaders speak about Health Centre IVs, UPC’s legacy in the region included the construction of a general hospital in Apac.
He urged leaders to be honest when assessing development in Lango.
Asked by moderator Paul Odom Aryam about alleged collaboration between UPC and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Akena disclosed that President Museveni had twice invited him to join Cabinet, first in 2011 and again in 2016, but he rejected both offers on principle.
He explained that remaining faithful to UPC ideology took precedence over personal political advancement.
He added that although he remained open to dialogue with President Museveni, any engagement would have to be conducted on equal footing.
Akena emphasized that he was willing to negotiate but not from a position of weakness or political dependency.
Akena credited himself for the survival and relevance of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), saying the platform exists in its current form largely because of his efforts.
He noted that he continues to engage with IPOD leadership, including its chairperson Norbert Mao.
Despite being blocked from the presidential ballot, Akena said UPC still managed to secure 12 Members of Parliament, which he described as a strong performance given the circumstances.
He said the party was effectively defending itself under pressure yet still emerged with measurable electoral success.
Addressing allegations that he received money from State House, Akena categorically denied ever receiving funds from President Museveni.
He clarified claims involving Adim Enap, stating that the money referenced was not from State House but his own personal savings.
Akena further explained that the savings had been accumulated through discipline encouraged by his wife, Gender & Labour Minister Betty Amongi, and that Adim Enap had never accompanied him to State House.
Akena also recalled a hit-and-run accident in 2011, which occurred on the same night he had been summoned for a meeting in Ntinda.
He said the incident reinforced his belief that some political actors were uncomfortable with his presence and influence at the time.
He concluded by stating that despite sustained efforts to politically weaken or eliminate him, he had survived and continued to mobilise for his party.
He said those attempts failed, as he successfully campaigned for UPC candidates who went on to win electoral victories.
The post Inside Akena’s Defiance: Obua Row, Ajuri Calls, Cabinet Offers Rejected — He Refuses Museveni Twice and Won’t Bow to Pressure appeared first on Dokolo Post.