KISORO – The UPC is making significant strides in the Kisoro by-election, leveraging its strong historical legacy and commitment to public welfare to gain an edge.
UPC President Jimmy Akena has been at the forefront of the campaign, championing the party’s candidate, Ingabire Mable, and highlighting the enduring achievements of the UPC.
In an interview on Saturday, President Akena reflected on the circumstances surrounding the by-election, which was triggered by the loss of Sarah Mateke, the former Minister of Defense, who succumbed to heart-related conditions.
“It was a somber moment paying my respects to Dr. Philemon Mateke. This by-election, triggered by the loss of his daughter, is deeply sad for him. I respect Dr. Mateke for his contributions to Uganda, especially during a time when politics was driven by principles rather than money. People worked in politics to deliver real change. However, what I have observed on the ground today is disheartening. The desperation among citizens, where any small token can sway people, is troubling. It reflects poorly on the current state of politics in Uganda. Instead of focusing on improving lives and driving progress, we are stuck in a cycle of tokenism. This situation is a testament to where we are as a country and highlights the need for a reset. We must find a better path that benefits all Ugandans. It is depressing to see this in 2024,” Akena stated.
Dr. Mateke, who previously served under President Milton Obote’s UPC government as Deputy Minister for Education and later as Minister of Regional Cooperation in the ruling NRM, has been abandoned by the ruling party after his daughter’s death. The NRM has endorsed other candidates, sidelining Mateke’s other daughter, whom he had endorsed to replace the deceased Sarah Mateke.
Akena emphasized the importance of welcoming those disillusioned by the ruling NRM’s practices.
“This by-election has indeed highlighted issues within the NRM, particularly during the primaries where signs of rigging were evident. This did not sit well with Dr. Mateke and many NRM members. Our doors at UPC are always open to anyone who feels they can be better recognized or make a greater impact in a different setting. We welcome them. However, the issue of rigging, be it in primaries or general elections, is a persistent problem with the NRM. This rigging must stop. We need open contests that prioritize the best interests of Ugandan citizens,” Akena emphasized.
Reflecting on Dr. Mateke’s past contributions, Akena remarked, “Dr. Mateke served as the Deputy Minister of Education. His impact is still visible across the country with structures of schools that stand as a testament to UPC’s commitment to quality education. While the quality of education may have declined, the presence of these structures underscores the importance UPC placed on education. It is crucial to revive this commitment, especially given the current situation under the NRM.”
When asked about the strength of the UPC and its candidate on the ground, Akena was resolute.
“We are in this race to make a difference in people’s lives. Touring the rural parts of Kisoro, I have seen the desperation and difficult living conditions of many people. Our goal is to secure a better future for young people by equipping them with the right knowledge and skills to be productive. After 40 years of a single government, we need changes that truly benefit the citizens. The government has failed in many areas: inadequate school structures, poor livelihoods, and an over-reliance on small plots of land without providing the necessary skills for urban productivity. We should not be seeing such desperation. Elections should be about ideas and progress, not about tokenism and desperation. Uganda is blessed with many resources, and we must harness them to improve the lives of all its citizens,” Akena declared.
The UPC’s campaign in Kisoro is gaining momentum, with President Akena’s presence and passionate speeches strengthening the party’s foothold in the by-election.
Voters are rallying behind Ingabire, inspired by UPC’s commitment to addressing their needs and improving their lives. As the by-election approaches, it is clear that the UPC is not just a contender but a formidable force in Kisoro.
