Jimmy Akena addressing journalist at the party Headquarters in Kampala looking on is party Secretary General Fred Ebil
Although Supreme Court last week kicked out Jimmy Akena from the office of Uganda people’s Congress (UPC) as Party President, he still continues to perform the role of the president in the party.
Akena on Monday 16, October, 2023 addressed a press conference and on Wednesday the same week he presided over a party function for launching the party’s Women League Policy Document without any disturbance.
He addressed the party’s women leaders from the different parts of the country who turned up to witness the launch and assured of fighting the challenge of women harassment violence and compromise within the party.
“ Uganda People’s congress party must be a safe place for women especially the younger ones who starting to appreciated and participate in politics. Therefore my office will always be open to handle and tackle issues and challenges pertaining women leadership within the party.’’ Akena vowed.
The function was presided over by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Among as chief guest who also happens to be the wife of Akena and a member of the same party.
Among who doubles as a member of parliament for Oyam South, Oyam District,reminded UPC women that political parties are the gate way to politics and this explain why men are fighting to leaders in such institutions to have more powers .
She argued the women to embrace being members of political parties and take on leadership positions if they want to have power and take control of resources and also make meaningful decisions for the party and the country at large.
“ As women leaders in the party, you should always be resilient and have on the courage to tackle the challenges that your fellow ordinary women go through by getting the solutions to such challenges. You should fight for space in politics not only in your parties but also on the national level.’’ Amongi advised.
She adds, “ mobilize women not to be voters only but also to vy for leadership elective positions for instance in the forthcoming women council and local council I and II elections and on one should intimidate you, you should be in the party you feel is the best for you.’’
The minister further said that when political parts have such policies and they are implemented, they help her ministry and government to orient women and encourage them to become leaders.
She also said that political parties are stagnated due to lack of disorientation of the younger people who are aspiring to because future leaders with the party hierarchy.
The UPC National Women Leader, Miria Muhwezi who over saw the development of the party’s Women League Policy Document said that the importance of the Gender Policy document is to bridge the gender gaps so as to achieve equality and equity and to eliminate all forms of discrimination basing on sex, gender, disability and religious affiliations.
Muhwezi also said that the party’s Women League is aspiring to have a well-organized women league membership and create a data bank as well as encouraging participating in different development initiatives among others.
The function was also attended by other opposition parties’ Women League leaders who include, Aisha Waligo of DP and others from FDC.
By George Bukenya