UPC pledges to fight for fairness & equality, urges citizens to spend wisely during festive season.

    Hon. Jimmy Akena - UPC President 

The party president for the Uganda people’s Congress opposition political party Hon. Jimmy Akena has disclosed that their main vision for next year is to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunity and equitable access to national resources. He revealed this today, during their final year media statement to the country at their party headquarters in Kampala.

“Our focus in the coming year will be geared towards laying a vision that will see Uganda developing equitably and at a much faster pace where all it’s component parts can be engaged productively for the betterment of all its citizens.” He said

Akena also says, UPC holds the view that Uganda needs specialised financial institutions to support the farmers in ways in which the Cooperative Bank was able to support the cooperatives to purchase and market their produce. 

“We believe that there is need to revisit the concept of specialised marketing institutions, (ie improved and updated Marketing Boards) to help find better markets for all that we produce as well as instituting and facilitating commercial attaches in our foreign missions.” Said Akena

Inregards to leadership in their political party, he said they are in the final stages of the national program which will include streamlining of membership and renewal of party structures thereby creating an opportunity for the members to participate in framing the destiny of the party and Country at large.

“ I encourage all potential members to show up, be active in their respective branches and offer themselves for various elective positions. This call is intended to push the Party to another level as we strive to determine the destiny of our country, Uganda.” He said

At the same juncture, as the country gears up towards the much anticipated Christmas season, Akena urged the citizens to celebrate the day wisely and cautiously basing on the previous incidents that cost many lives.

“To the members of the public, you need to be very careful and vigilant while marking your festive celebrations. The ugly scenes of road accidents across the country and the Freedom City stampede at the eve of 2022 as well as the recent bomb blasts are still fresh in our minds.” He asserted

He further encouraged all road users to respect and exhibit a high degree of road discipline as the roads are always overwhelmed during festive seasons with a lot of movements of both people and goods.   

He however, cautioned citizens especially parents on extravagance during the Xmas season adding that there are lots of other sensitive financial strains that need to be addressed besides Christmas.

“As you spend and shop for your Christmas celebrations, i encourage you to save some money and be mindful of the times ahead which includes, but not limited to school fees for our children.” He stated

Akena also responded to the ongoing controversies surrounding the brand new vehicles that were recently given to the former speakers of parliament by R.t Hon. Annet Anita Among on Monday.

“we need to try and balance between the two issues. The office of the speaker and the timing of such issues. Priorities must always be put at what’s going to have the greater impact in this particular incident. It could be or in my opinion may be the timing was a bit torn death, but it’s also in the law which was passed earlier on the thought of benefits which are entitled to former speakers in this particular incident.” Akena noted

According to Akena, at this time the country is currently going through crisis where we are unable to meet some of the financial obligations which makes it difficult to buy very expensive vehicles to people whose current positions do not require these particular vehicles. 

Story by: Derrick kanalo