The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party has defended the legacy of Milton Obote and the UPC while warning that two million Ugandan children under the age of five are currently malnourished, a crisis the party says threatens the country’s future.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, at Uganda House, UPC President Jimmy Akena said political distractions were drawing attention away from urgent issues affecting children.
He cited historical statements by Obote that emphasized unity, stability, freedom, and independence for all Ugandans, rejecting portrayals of him as a leader driven by revenge or division.
“In 1971, Milton Obote wrote that the objectives of our struggle are not for the advancement of individual or group causes. Our struggle is for stability, freedom, and independence,” Akena said.
He added that Obote never signed death warrants and consistently championed policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
Akena further highlighted the scale of child malnutrition, noting that 26 percent of children under the age of five suffer from stunting, with lifelong consequences including poor cognitive development and reduced productivity.
He noted that UPC has practical solutions focused on food security, stronger health services, and education to help address the crisis.
“UPC’s mission is to improve the standard of living of the citizens of Uganda,” Akena said.
Akena criticized the government for prioritizing other matters over child welfare and called for a holistic approach to development that includes safety, skills, and greater exposure for school-going children.
He urged citizens to participate in the upcoming LCI elections by choosing leaders based on character and service to the community rather than partisanship or inducements.
Akena reaffirmed UPC’s readiness to engage in policy debate and its commitment to building a Uganda that works for every citizen.
Peter Obong Acuda, the MP for Maruti County, also highlighted key policy issues including food security, the market economy introduced by UPC in 1981, and the importance of maintaining proper national food reserves.
The party also extended its condolences to the people of Adjumani and the wider West Nile region following the death of General Moses Ali.
