Kole, Uganda | Former Ugandan Ambassador to Canada and ex-Woman Member of Parliament for Kole District, Amb. Joy Ruth Acheng has publicly reaffirmed her allegiance to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), distancing herself from claims that her service under the ruling NRM government compromised her political loyalty.
Speaking on Thursday during a UPC mobilization event organized by Kole South MP Hon. Peter Ocen Akalo, Acheng, who served in the 2011 9th parliament, emphasized that her diplomatic appointment in 2017 did not change her political roots.
She clarified that although she served under an NRM-led government, her identity as a UPC member remained unchanged throughout.
Acheng stated that she had never been a member of the ruling NRM party, often symbolized by the colour yellow.
She explained that her decision to serve as Uganda’s ambassador to Canada was based on respect for the appointing authority and her duty to represent the country, not an endorsement of NRM ideology.
She noted that during her time in Canada, she wore yellow and defended President Museveni and the government because he had appointed her, but this did not alter her political alignment.
She further addressed criticism from some UPC members and the public, who questioned why a known opposition figure would accept a government role.
Acheng maintained that her appointment was a matter of national service and not a shift in political allegiance.
She said those who appointed her knew her background and still entrusted her with the diplomatic role, which she performed diligently, effectively, and efficiently.
Acheng also disclosed that she recently declined a new diplomatic appointment to the Bahamas, choosing instead to return home and focus on regaining her former seat as Woman Member of Parliament for Kole District.
She confirmed that she is actively mobilizing support and reconnecting with her constituents, reaffirming her intention to serve under the UPC banner in the upcoming elections.
The event where Acheng made her statement was also marked by the commissioning of a UGX 60 million water project in Akalo Town Council, spearheaded by Hon. Peter Ocen Akalo.
The project, fitted with both solar and electric pumps, provides a consistent water supply and includes a 20,000-liter storage tank.
It primarily serves Akalo Health Centre IV and neighbouring communities, addressing long-standing water shortages and significantly boosting healthcare and sanitation in the area.
The UPC Party President Hon. Jimmy Akena presided over the commissioning, praising the initiative for its impact on the well-being of Kole residents, particularly expectant mothers and vulnerable patients.
Amb. Acheng’s strong stance and decision to return to elective politics have energized her supporters and reaffirmed her role as a key political figure in Kole District to challenge Joy Atim Ongom for UPC Party flag and unseat the incumbent Kole District WMP Judith Alyek.
Her re-entry into the political arena, alongside development projects championed by UPC leaders, signals renewed strength for the party as it prepares for the 2026 general elections.
I think this was a smart move by Amb. Joy Acheng. It was brilliant, and I wish for her all the success to get back her seat in the Parliament. He experiences over the years as a Law maker, Ambassador (Foreign Service Officer), and Teacher makes her the right and appropriate person to head back to the parliament. She is fully prepared and taylored for Law making again. My prayers for her.
Thank you,
Benjamin Wacha.