Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena has challenged Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to present his policies and explain what he would do for Ugandans instead of allowing discussions about his political ambitions to dominate the national conversation.
Akena made the remarks while addressing journalists, questioning the political activities surrounding Muhoozi, who leads the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). He raised concerns about the collection of signatures and public endorsements linked to Muhoozi’s possible presidential ambitions.
The opposition leader argued that Ugandans deserve to hear clear plans from anyone interested in leading the country. He challenged those promoting presidential ambitions to explain how they intend to address the problems affecting citizens.
“If you want to be president, show us what you can do. Show us your policies. Show us the alternatives,” Akena said.
He also questioned whether Muhoozi’s political mobilisation activities were consistent with Article 208 of the Constitution, which provides for the non-partisan character of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. Akena wants answers about how an active military officer can participate in political activities.
The UPC president further complained that important national issues were being pushed aside as public debate increasingly focused on Muhoozi’s political future. He specifically raised concerns about child hunger, saying the country should be paying greater attention to the challenges facing vulnerable children.
Akena said he had previously raised the issue of children going hungry but felt it had received less attention than political discussions surrounding Muhoozi. He cited a figure of 26 per cent of Ugandan children, although the source of that statistic was not provided in the account.
His remarks come alongside wider concerns he has expressed about his personal safety. Akena claimed that his life and those of people close to him were under threat, but insisted that he would continue speaking about human rights, constitutional accountability and Uganda’s future.
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