THE PROMISED JIMMY AKENA’S UPC OFFENSIVE SUFFERS A STILLBIRTH

By a political commentator

Jimmy Akena, the former first son, and embattled former UPC president, promised on the floor of parliament, with tears in his eyes that, in revenge for being denied presidential candidacy, he will work tooth and nail to “paint Lango red”. He promised to campaign for all UPC candidates to ensure that all the down ballots goes to UPC. However, Akena is conspicuous by his absence. 

Akena has not appeared at any UPC public rally, including, notably for his estranged wife, Betty Amongi, the nomadic politician, who's notorious for her public vulgarity. There are loud whispers that all might not be well in the house of Akena. Betty Amongi is known to play fast and loose having birthed several children by a string of men including Dr. Riek Machar, the former VP of South Sudan and chief mediator between LRA and GoU. 

Over the weekend, news circulated that Tony Akaki, former president Obote first born son, and official heir had given orders for the eviction of Betty Amongi from the palatial home of the former president located at Senior Quarters in Lira City, near Lira Army Barracks. There were allegations that Akena also spent the Christmas holiday at the family country home in Akokoro without the company of Betty Amongi. It's rumoured that, just like Josephine, wife to Napoleon Bonaparte, Amongi has taken a lover into her marital bed, and this is the main reason for the fall-out with Jimmy Akena. 

Readers must have noted the rapid aging of Jimmy Akena and his sad public demeanour. Jimmy, who was formerly married with children, became entangled with Betty Amongi during his stint as part of the government delegation in the Juba Peace talks. In 2013, Amongi formally married Jimmy Akena at a lavish traditional marriage ceremony in Minakulu, with President Yoweri Museveni acting as the father of Jimmy Akena. 

However, the development left a bad taste in the mouth of Amongi's former husband, Dr James Ocwa, who sought bride price compensation, citing bigamy, since Amongi had not officially divorced her former husband.

If this latest fallout is confirmed, it will follow a pattern well-trodden by Betty Amongi. Many uncomfortable UPC supporters have nicknamed Betty Amongi, “the green snake in the grass” for sponsoring Adim Enap who scuppered the presidential bid of Jimmy Akena on a technicality. 

Political watchers are still divided on what this latest developments will have on the struggling campaign of Betty Amongi for Lira City Woman Member of Parliament.