By Jumah Kakomo
Jimmy Akena, the President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has made a passionate appeal to Ugandans to plant sustainable and productive trees, emphasizing the importance of securing environmental and economic benefits for future generations.
Speaking during a memorial event for the late Ogen Andrea, the UPC coordinator for Kiboga district from 1980-1985, Akena urged the public to take action in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
Akena, the son of Uganda’s former president Milton Obote, reflected on the achievements of the UPC government during the 1980-1985 period, stressing how the party’s leadership had contributed to the nation’s development. He highlighted the significant strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy under the UPC government, noting that schools, hospitals, and roads were built to improve the lives of Ugandans across the country.
“The UPC government was committed to uplifting the lives of Ugandans by expanding access to education and healthcare. We built primary and secondary schools, opened them to all children, and established vocational and tertiary institutions to meet the country’s growing demand for skilled labor. In healthcare, we built and equipped hospitals to ensure better service delivery,” Akena said.
However, Akena expressed concern that despite these achievements, Uganda is currently facing significant challenges, including corruption, poverty, and poor governance. He emphasized that Uganda’s potential has been squandered under the current leadership, and the country needs a fresh approach to address its pressing issues.
As a call to action ahead of the 2026 general elections, Akena urged Ugandans to “weed the garden” and “plant new productive trees” by ensuring the country’s leadership is renewed and accountable. His metaphor of planting trees was a powerful one—he emphasized the need for “sustainable and productive” trees that would provide tangible benefits such as fruits, income, and long-term prosperity.
“We must move beyond the mindset of planting trees just for the sake of it. Let us plant trees that provide real benefits to our communities and contribute to our economic development. We must take responsibility for the future of our planet,” Akena said.
Akena’s comments were a clear critique of the current state of governance in Uganda, which he believes has failed to address the needs of the people. He called on Ugandans to unite for positive change and restore the country to its former glory by voting for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of citizens and the environment.
