By Hannah Marion Namukasa
As the year, 2022 is coming to an end and the festivals for Christmas and New Year are upon us, the opposition Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) says much more needs to be done to help spur the much needed economic recovery and growth.
The revelation was made by the party President Jimmy Akena while delivering his end of year party message on 21/12/2022, at party headquarters Kampala saying Uganda has yet again witnessed an outbreak of Ebola, the containment of which had Mubende and Kassanda Districts to be placed under lockdown. “Appreciation goes to those who led the fight against this disease but unfortunately, we lost some lives and witnessed others fully recovered,” he added.
He noted that the information relating to the Ebola outbreak should have been better managed as it had a devastating impact on the rapidly recovering tourism sector and UPC would want to see a permanent multi-sectoral National Task Force which can help a country to have preparedness in case of such abrupt outbreaks and mitigate on other adverse consequences.
“We need to borrow a leaf from Cuba that has even a team of volunteers to rescue those who are affected across the globe”. Akena said.
He further highlighted that despite the severe economic restrictions, Cuba has had a preparedness and personnel readily available, something which should be looked at by the Government strategically. He says UPC welcomes the lifting of the travel ban on Kassanda and Mubende districts, and encourages the public not to lower the guard.
“Let vigilance continue and follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as we hold our festive season activities” Akena Added.
Akena also revealed that the recent attacks on Police stations and the deliberate targeting of security personnel is something that cannot bring comfort to the citizens of Uganda. The reaction of merging Police posts, to reduce vulnerabilities, may significantly reduce the loss of firearms but leaves the citizens at a loss when they themselves will need a rapid response from the Police when attacked by criminals.
Furthermore, Akena says the concerted attacks on electricity transmission lines are of great concern to the UPC more so when it is noted that the electricity pylons are key long lasting infrastructure and that these are being erected using borrowed funds which will be repaid by the Ugandan taxpayer.
He adds that ultimately these alarming trends will need concerted efforts for the Police and Security personnel to be regarded and accepted as in place to protect the lives and property of the citizen (not just the Government in place) and that we all have a stake in the Public infrastructure. Increasing access electricity may mitigate the lesser damage to the pylons caused by scrap metal foragers.
Akena however highlighted some of the challenges faced as a party throughout the year saying, a number of Party members have been bed ridden with various ailments, some have made recoveries, and others have regrettably succumbed to death.
He says as the country was laying Supreme Court Justice Opio Aweri’s body to its final resting place, a Party Mobilizer and an ardent sportsman Thomas Wilkinson Okae died during a motocross competition at Akii Bua Stadium in Lira on Friday 16th December 2022. Earlier on, the former Party National Treasurer (1980 – 2005) and Minister for Rehabilitation in UPC II Government of 1980 – 85 Hon. Patrick Masette Kuuya occurred on the 22nd of November 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Party collaborated with the family to give him (Masette) a befitting final send-off. As for Wilkinson Okae, will be buried on Thursday 22nd December 2022.
“On behalf of the Party and my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathize with all the respective families affected,” Akena added.
Meanwhile Akena also wished a quick recovery to those who are still sick, and in the same spirit, the Party condolels with the family of Hon. Patrick Okabe the Member of Parliament for Serere County who died in a road accident with his wife on Monday morning, 19th December 2022, and to the family of Mr. Moses Olemukan the LC V Chairperson for Bukedea District who succumbed to Cancer at Mulago Cancer Institute on Saturday 17th December 2022 and all those who lost their loved ones in defferent circumstances throughout the year.
“May God rest the souls of the deceased in eternal peace!I wish you a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year 2023”, Akena said.
