You're just an extension of Museveni, Masindi MP tells Akena
Mr Businge accused Akena of being part of the ruling government, citing his wife, Betty Among, a UPC member and Cabinet minister, as evidence of Akena's alliance with the NRM regime.
Masindi Municipality Member of Parliament, Joab Businge, has told the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) president Jimmy Akena to "misleading the people of Bunyoro into believing that he opposes the government".
Mr Businge accused Akena of being part of the ruling government, citing his wife, Betty Among, a UPC member and Cabinet minister, as evidence of Akena's alliance with the NRM regime.
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During a gathering in Masindi to celebrate Hajj Mahmoud Kazimbiraine’s 50th wedding anniversary, Akena urged the people of Bunyoro to join UPC, stating that the party would challenge the ruling NRM in 2026.
He emphasized UPC's values, which he claimed could lead Uganda to prosperity.
“UPC is tested and peaceful. Our mission is to recruit members nationwide so that by 2026, we can unseat the NRM,” Akena declared.
He also promoted a national debate focused on improving service delivery, such as healthcare and education, without regional discrimination.
However, Businge dismissed Akena's message, accusing him of hypocrisy. "Akena cannot claim to be opposition while his wife is a minister in the NRM government. They stand together," Businge said.
He urged Akena to take his message elsewhere, stating that the people of Bunyoro would not be deceived.
Businge went on to criticize President Museveni for eroding multi-party politics in Uganda. He claimed that Museveni, having never gained power through an election, lacks respect for the electoral process.
"Museveni disorganizes other political parties to prevent them from mounting a serious challenge. It’s always a one-man show," Businge remarked.
The FDC MP also expressed frustration with opposition parties’ internal conflicts, arguing that divisions are weakening their ability to confront the NRM.
"The opposition needs unity, but instead, members are often bribed, leading to distrust within our ranks," he added.
When asked about opposition party disputes, Akena refused to comment, stating that his priority is building UPC ahead of the 2026 elections.
"Our focus is on strengthening UPC, not engaging in conflicts with other parties," Akena said.
Michael Christopher Ayeranga, NRM’s coordinator for Bunyoro, defended President Museveni, claiming that he does not invest in disorganizing political opponents.
Instead, Ayeranga argued that Museveni’s focus on service delivery, including infrastructure development and healthcare improvements, naturally wins voters' support.
“NRM’s success comes from what the government has delivered to the people. Look at the water and electricity extensions, the improving health sector, and our top-class roads. Why wouldn’t people vote for Museveni?” Ayeranga commented.
He advised the opposition to concentrate their efforts outside of Bunyoro, where he asserted that the NRM maintains overwhelming support. "By 2026, the entire region will be yellow. People here are committed to the NRM."
