By Jumah Kakomo
The opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has reaffirmed that it maintains no formal working relationship with the government, despite the recent appointment of one of its members to Cabinet.
Speaking on Wednesday, UPC President Jimmy Akena clarified the party’s position following the appointment of Oyam District Woman MP, Hon. Santa Sandra Alum Ogwang, as Minister of State for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President during President Yoweri Museveni’s Cabinet reshuffle in May 2026.
Akena said the party was neither consulted nor involved in the appointment process, stressing that Ogwang’s acceptance of the ministerial position was a personal decision and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the government by UPC.
“UPC’s position as an opposition party remains unchanged,” Akena said. “We will continue to critique government policies, propose alternatives, and hold those in power accountable on issues affecting Ugandans.”
He emphasized that UPC remains an independent political organization with its own structures, programmes, and mandate derived from its delegates. According to Akena, any party member who accepts a government appointment does so in an individual capacity rather than as a representative of the party.
Akena also brushed aside challenges to his leadership from some sections of the party, insisting that he remains the legally elected president of UPC.
He said questions regarding his mandate had already been addressed through the party’s constitutional processes and urged members to respect the decisions made by delegates during party elections.
“I am amused by party members who challenge my leadership because I am the legally elected party president,” he said. “UPC has structures, a constitution, and duly conducted elections. The delegates chose the leadership, and that decision must be respected.”
He encouraged aggrieved members to use internal party mechanisms to resolve disputes rather than airing disagreements in public.
“The strength of UPC lies in its history and its members. When we fight each other publicly, we weaken the party,” Akena said. “My door remains open for dialogue, but the legal position is clear. I was elected and will serve the term entrusted to me by the delegates.”
Meanwhile, Akena expressed concern over reports that the government is considering scrapping allowances for intern doctors, warning that such a move could have serious implications for Uganda’s healthcare system and medical training programmes.
He noted that intern doctors play a vital role in delivering healthcare services across the country and argued that removing their allowances could lower morale and exacerbate existing staffing challenges in the sector.
According to Akena, intern doctors often work long hours, respond to emergencies, and support the day-to-day operations of hospital wards.
“It is unfair to classify them as students while assigning them responsibilities typically carried out by fully qualified doctors without adequate facilitation,” he said.
Akena added that intern doctors represent the future of Uganda’s medical profession, with many expected to become consultants and specialists. He cautioned that policies that undermine their welfare could have long-term consequences for the quality of healthcare services.
He called on the government to reconsider the proposal and instead increase funding to support intern doctors through improved facilitation and allowances.
