The Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party president, Jimmy Akena Obote has said his life is under threat, insisting that Ugandan politics should focus on policies, solutions and the challenges facing ordinary citizens rather than personal attacks and constitutional controversies.
Speaking during a press conference with journalists, Akena said threats against political leaders had become a reality, adding that he remained committed to the future of Ugandan children despite the risks.
“Yes, my life is under threat. It has been under threat, like many other leaders. We live under threat,” Akena said.
He challenged those seeking the presidency to present their policies and demonstrate what they could offer the country, rather than engaging in threats and political confrontations.
“If you want to be president, show us what you can do. Show us your policies. Show us the alternatives,” he said.
Akena, however, said he was prepared to face the consequences of his political stance, stressing that the future of Uganda’s children was more important than his personal safety.
“Whether you threaten me in the basement, I am ready to go and be put in the ground at the feet of my father. But the children of Uganda should have a future and a fighting chance to make it in life,” he said.
He expressed concern that political discourse in the country had shifted away from pressing social and economic challenges, particularly the plight of children facing hunger.
According to Akena, he had raised concerns about starving Ugandan children but received little attention, arguing that the country’s political debate was increasingly dominated by issues surrounding individuals and their actions outside the Constitution.
“Ugandan politics has disappeared from the issues. I raised the issue that Ugandan children are starving. Silence. Instead, we want to talk about somebody who is tweeting and acting outside the Constitution,” he said.
Akena’s remarks highlighted his call for a shift in political debate towards policies, accountability and the welfare of Ugandans, particularly children, whom he said deserved a better future and meaningful opportunities to succeed in life.
