Things are not well in Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), the party that ruled Uganda twice (1966-70 and 1980-5).

Some of the leaders of the party, including MPs are bitter that the party bank account has over 500 million Uganda shillings lying idle but the party president, Olara Otunnu has never withdrawn it to fund party activities.

UPC President Olara Otunu

Otunnu in his capacity as the party president has to first sign on the cheque before the money given to UPC by the party members in the diaspora can be withdrawn. Some senior UPC members are bitter that Otunnu never used the money from the party’s bank account to give the two million shillings that was supposed to be given to parliamentary candidates who ran on UPC ticket during 2011 general elections.

It is said that some of the party members from the diaspora are now joining the anti Otunnu crusaders to oust him from UPC’s top post. Some of Otunnu’s major allies in the party have reportedly deserted him to an extent that Otunuu has started fearing for his life.

Sources in UPC say that Otunnu is now fearing to be poisoned reportedly by some members of the party who are against his leadership. Although Otunnu is the UPC president, some members on his cabinet reportedly no longer talk to him.

The former UN diplomat according to sources in the party currently carries his own food and tea. Some of the people who have reportedly remained on Otunnu’s side include his fellow Acholi Basil Lucima, Oyenna Odongo, Jacinta Ogwal, and Obua Ogwal.

It is said that some members of his cabinet met in his absentia to discuss party matters. To be continued later with more details expected.

By Doreen Nyanzi