The Cake and Crumbling Legacy: Otafiire’s tirade and Akena’s crossroads

By George Ofwono

Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire’s recent outburst against UPC’s Betty Among in Lira, while seemingly aimed at a specific political manoeuvre, resonates far beyond the confines of a single constituency boundary dispute. His crude analogy of a shared cake –  a supposed act of generosity by the NRM towards a starving UPC –  serves as a stark metaphor for the deeper malaise plaguing Uganda’s political landscape and, specifically, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

Otafiire’s words should serve as a stark wake-up call, particularly for UPC’s self-imposed President Jimmy Akena. His assertion of NRM generosity is a blatant distortion of history. The UPC, once the dominant force in Ugandan politics, has been systematically undermined and marginalized since the NRM’s ascent to power. The current predicament of the party, far from being a result of ingratitude, is a consequence of decades of political manoeuvring, suppression, and the erosion of its once-powerful base. To frame this struggle as a mere squabble over a “piece of cake” is insulting and dismissive of the party’s historical significance and its continued fight for relevance.

However, Otafiire’s words, while inflammatory, hold a certain uncomfortable truth.  The current state of UPC reflects not only external pressures but also internal divisions and strategic missteps.  The party’s self-imposed leadership, particularly under Jimmy Akena, has been frequently criticized for a perceived lack of clear direction and for engaging in actions that appear to prioritize personal interests over the party’s overall well-being.

This is where Otafiire’s outburst takes on a crucial significance for Akena. The Minister’s thinly veiled threat – implying that hidden dealings between Akena and the NRM will be exposed – should not be dismissed.  It underscores the perception, both within and outside UPC, that Akena’s self-imposed leadership has compromised the party’s integrity through opportunistic alliances.

The legacy of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, the towering figure of UPC, demands a radical shift in the party’s trajectory.  Obote’s legacy was one of fierce independence, unwavering commitment to the people, and a relentless fight for social justice.  Akena’s self-imposed leadership, however, has fallen far short of upholding this legacy.  The party’s current standing – weakened and fragmented – is a direct reflection of this failure.

Akena needs to heed Otafiire’s words not as a political insult, but as a harsh, albeit unintended, call for introspection.  The time for backroom deals and self-serving maneuvers is over. The UPC needs a bold reimagining, a rediscovery of its core values, and a leadership that is truly committed to its ideals.  This necessitates a departure from the current path, a path seemingly paved with political expediency rather than principled action.

Akena must consider stepping aside to allow new, younger, and more dynamic leadership to emerge.  The party needs individuals with moral authority and unwavering commitment to rebuild the trust eroded over decades of internal conflicts and perceived compromises.  The “cake” metaphor, as crass as it is, reveals a simple truth: clinging to power for self-gain only leads to further fragmentation and the ultimate demise of the party.  The future of UPC, and its capacity to contribute meaningfully to Ugandan politics, depends on Akena making the difficult but necessary choice to prioritize the party’s legacy over personal ambition.

The writer is a Youth leader (UPC) and Advocate for Sociopolitical and Economic Justice