Uganda People’s Congress President Jimmy Akena has revealed that he rejected an offer to serve as a Minister in President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Speaking during the party’s weekly press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, Akena said Museveni was serious about the offer, which has allegedly been “on the table” since 2016.
He claimed that before appointing his wife, Betty Amongi, as Minister of Lands in 2016, Museveni had first considered him for the position.
“Before he took up my wife, he considered me first,” Akena said. “I asked for time to consult stakeholders. I went back with a big no.”
According to Akena, Amongi was among those he consulted. After he declined, Museveni settled for his wife instead.
Akena added that this was not the first time. He said he was first approached in 2011, and that the offer to make him a Minister remains open even today.
“I realized Museveni was up to no good and that taking up the position would be of no consequence,” he said. He did not disclose which ministry was offered.
In the same address, Akena defended his father, Uganda’s founding President Dr. Milton Obote. He said Obote’s economic policies were aimed at empowering ordinary Ugandans, unlike Museveni’s, which he said favor the super-rich.
He challenged Museveni or any NRM official to a public debate to prove that Obote was not the “monster” portrayed by NRM propaganda.
