LIRA CITY – The President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Mr. Jimmy Akena, officially launched a new party mobilization campaign in Lira City on starter day, striking a resonant chord with supporters in the party’s historical heartland and declaring a renewed push to reclaim its position as a national political force.
Akena emphasized that the launch in Lira marks the beginning of an intensive countrywide mobilization effort. “The mission is to reconnect with our people at the village level, to listen to their concerns, and to rebuild the UPC structures from the ground up,” he stated. He urged supporters to register as party members en masse to solidify its base.
He paid deep tribute to the founding legacy of his father, former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, and the party’s role in Uganda’s independence struggle. However, he was quick to pivot to the future. “We honor our history, but we are not prisoners of it. The new UPC is focused on contemporary solutions for today’s Uganda—addressing unemployment among the youth, improving agricultural markets, and advocating for good governance.”
In a clear appeal to mend internal rifts that have plagued the party, Akena called for unity among all UPC members. “The time for division is over. We must reconcile our differences and present a united front to the people of Uganda. Our strength lies in our unity.”
While not naming specific individuals, Akena critiqued the ruling government for what he termed “misguided priorities” and a failure to effectively tackle corruption and the high cost of living. He positioned UPC as the credible alternative with a clear plan for economic recovery and social justice.
The choice of Lira City, the capital of Lango sub-region, is highly symbolic. The region has traditionally been a stronghold for UPC, and this launch is seen as a move to re-energize the party’s core support base. Local leaders who spoke at the event expressed strong backing for Akena’s leadership and optimism about the party’s revitalization.
“This is the beginning of our journey back to the top,” said one elderly supporter. “We have been waiting for a sign, and this mobilization gives us hope.”
Political analysts view this mobilization drive as a crucial step for Akena to consolidate his leadership and demonstrate the party’s relevance beyond internal headquarters politics. By starting in Lira, he is playing to his strengths, but the true test will be the campaign’s ability to gain traction in other regions of the country where the party’s presence has waned.
The launch signals Jimmy Akena’s firm intention to position UPC as a significant contender in Uganda’s political landscape, banking on its historical legacy while promising a renewed and modernized agenda.
