That James Akena, Obote’s son get a second term as the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Presidency is neither shocking nor surpising. He secured the role and title ahead of the General Election in 2016. When there been talk that Museveni paid him 1 billion shillings and dispersed Olara Otunnu from the throne.
There was also a deal made between the UPC and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Akena became the Lira Municipality MP and two other UPC MPs became part of the cabinet. This was UPC President wife, Betty Amongi (Oyam County South) and also Ruth Acheng became Ministers in the 10th Parliament.
Achieng have now switched camps and is running on a NRM ticket in Lira district. She has left UPC. As she got the most out of the political deal between UPC-NRM in 2016.
Now we got to wait what Akena and Amongi plans ahead for the Party. The status quo is cleared. However, the UPC isn’t in a sign of strength. It is not like Akena have the popularity or the reach to be viable for the masses. He got more than enough to get re-elected as MP in Lira Municipality.
Akena might think he has it, as his the next generation of UPC leader. The UPC only had 6 MPs in the 10 Parliament and the UPC blamed Otunnu fraction for this after t he polls. The party and the leadership have to use a lot of time to fight for Uganda House and the Milton Obote Foundation (MOF) nearly through the party out of it after the election in 2016. So, its not like UPC has gone from victory to victory.
In 2011 the UPC had 10 MPs and by 2016 when Akena ran the final campaign the party got 6 MPs. While they are losing main contenders who are going to the NRM like Achieng. There is little traction and the UPC becoming a fringe party.
One of the old horses who sold out. The UPC doesn’t have character under Akena. It is leaflet of a party, nearly a briefcase and that shouldn’t be the case for a historical party like this. The party wasn’t a one man ballad. Neither under Otunnu or anyone else. However, under Jimmy its been all him and they have campaigned with Museveni.
We don’t know what they will do ahead of 2021. Akena shouldn’t run for Presidency, he will get near nothing and be fruitcake compared to ones really standing.
Akena should support one of the opposition candidates to give them more hope. Jimmy got nothing to do in the big-league. Forgive me, but a man signing a deal with NRM in 2016 and letting people run in the cabinet. Isn’t really someone who stand up to them years later. He is already compromised and this time he cannot blame Bbosa or Otunnu for his own failure to run the operation.
Jimmy is a train-wreck and he has done it all on his own. Akena comes from a political family, but that doesn’t mean he is political savvy or has the ability to do things. Just like the daughters and sons of pastors isn’t all made to run churches either. They can sing in the choir, but cannot lead the public to salvation. Neither can Jimmy spark any flame or interests outside his nearest constituents.
Akena can push through this second term. It will be gloomy, but if he continues dealing with NRM. He will still be relevant and keep his career alive. Not because of his work or dedication, but because Museveni has bought an ally. Which cost him nearly nothing and he get the party as a price. One less competition.
Jimmy, you can act like your big, but that doesn’t make you big. It is all an imagination… It’s fiction. Peace.
MinBane 