Jimmy Akena, the leader of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has expressed deep frustration over what he calls an unfair decision to block his nomination to contest for the presidency of Uganda. Speaking with emotion, Akena revealed that he had planned to kneel during the national anthem at Kololo Airstrip as a peaceful protest against his exclusion from the race.
However, he changed his mind after recalling that Kololo is where Uganda’s independence was declared, and his own father, the late Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, received the instruments of power there. “It was not possible for me to kneel when the national anthem was being played at Kololo, because that is the place where Uganda’s flag first went up,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not hurt. I’m breaking inside.”
Akena appealed to the government to allow him to participate in the election, saying the UPC had long been accused of rigging elections and this was his chance to prove the party’s integrity. “You won’t even let me get past the gate. Is this an election or is it a farce?” he questioned.
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Partisan Security Forces
Members of Parliament also voiced concern over the growing involvement of security officers in partisan politics. The Leader of the Opposition accused several senior officers of openly campaigning for ruling party candidates during the election period, which is against Uganda’s laws.
According to the Political Parties and Organizations Act, members of the army, police, and public service are strictly prohibited from engaging in political campaigns or promoting candidates. However, recent incidents suggest widespread disregard for this law.
The opposition cited specific cases, including Senior Superintendent of Police Annabella Nirauru, who was seen campaigning for a parliamentary candidate in Masaka, and Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, the Commander of the UPDF Air Force, who allegedly urged people in his community to reject opposition candidates while campaigning for the ruling party in uniform.
Another senior officer, Major General Dick Olum, was accused of dancing on stage and participating in ruling party rallies in Zombo District. “Soldiers have the right to vote, but participating in campaigns is outside the law,” the opposition noted.
Government Responds and Promises Action
In response, the government admitted that such actions, if true, violate the law and promised to investigate. The Minister of Internal Affairs called for evidence to be presented so that disciplinary measures can be taken. “The laws are not negotiable,” the minister stated. “Once we receive solid evidence, action will be taken against those officers.”
The minister further pledged to work with the Office of the Prime Minister to stop partisan behavior within security institutions, assuring Parliament that “these loopholes will be fixed” to ensure a fair and peaceful election process.
Additionally, government representatives confirmed that the matter will be forwarded to the Head of Public Service to handle disciplinary proceedings against any public officers found guilty of participating in political campaigns.
A Call for Fair Play
As tensions rise ahead of the elections, Akena’s remarks and the ongoing debate in Parliament highlight growing concerns over fairness and the rule of law in Uganda’s electoral process. While the government has pledged to act, opposition leaders insist that only visible enforcement and equal treatment for all candidates will restore public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.