The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has questioned the credibility of the proposed national dialogue and reconciliation process, arguing that meaningful progress cannot be achieved if individuals holding positions of authority do not respect and uphold the law.
The proposed dialogue, reportedly being spearheaded by General Salim Saleh, is expected to include engagements with jailed veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, alongside broader discussions aimed at addressing Uganda’s political divisions and advancing national reforms.
However, addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Uganda House, Kampala, UPC President Jimmy Akena criticised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over what he described as a disregard for the Constitution.
Akena questioned the reported involvement of members of Muhoozi’s political pressure group, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), in collecting signatures endorsing him as a potential presidential candidate in the 2031 elections while he remains an active serving military officer.
The UPC leader argued that such developments raise concerns about constitutionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law, which he said must form the foundation of any genuine national dialogue and reconciliation process.
He maintained that efforts to promote national unity and address political divisions would be difficult to achieve without adherence to the Constitution by those entrusted with positions of power.
By Charles Katabalwa
4th Nov 2026
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