By Susan Kobusingye
Kisoro By-Election: Jimmy Akena, President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has condemned the politics of desperation and election rigging in the country’s elections which is mainly spear headed by the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Hon. Akena made the remarks yesterday while campaigning for their candidate Ingabire Mable at Ruhengeri Trading Centre in Murumba subcounty Kisoro district, where he expressed concern over citizens relying on small tokens, citing the need for a vision-driven leadership that improves lives.
“What I have seen on the ground there’s something which is not a good sign for where politics has reached or where the situation has reached. We’re seeing the desperation of citizens where any small token will make people to go out.” He revealed
Akena criticized the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s 40-year tenure, highlighting its failure to empower citizens. He noted that the UPC is committed to addressing pressing issues such as poor school structures, limited livelihoods, and lack of skills training.
“We are in the race to make a difference in people’s lives. Iam not happy to move around currently in the rural parts of Kisoro district and see how people are living and the desperation amongst many people.” Akena highlighted
The UPC President also addressed allegations of rigging in the NRM primaries, stressing the need for transparent elections. “This issue of rigging even in primaries, rigging in general election, the whole history of NRM talks about rigging, it has to stop. Let us have open contest and work for the best interest of the citizens of Uganda.”
Akena’s visit to Kisoro included paying respects to the late Dr. Philmon Mateke, father of the deceased Sarah Mateke, whose passing occasioned the by-election. Akena praised Dr. Mateke’s contribution to Uganda, noting that he served at a time when politics was driven by principles rather than money.
The Kisoro woman MP by-election has attracted a number of candidates, including representatives from NRM, NUP, PPP, FDC, and an Independent candidate. Voting is scheduled for November 14.
