Soroti, Uganda – Pascal Amuriat, the Chairperson of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) in Soroti City and the party’s 2022 Parliamentary candidate for Soroti City East, has officially announced his resignation from the party.
This move comes after years of growing frustration with UPC’s leadership and its direction, culminating in his defeat in the 2022 by-election.
Amuriat’s decision was revealed during a press conference in Soroti, where he explained that the departure followed careful introspection.
“It was not an easy decision, but it’s one I had to make after weighing my personal values against the direction the party is taking,” he stated. “UPC is no longer aligned with my vision for Uganda’s future.”
Amuriat’s defeat in the 2022 by-election, where he garnered only 115 votes compared to Moses Okia Attan of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) placed second with 8,771 votes and 9,407 votes secured by Herbert Ariko of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) who came first, marked a turning point in his relationship with UPC.
He expressed frustration with the party’s lack of internal development and leadership.
“For the past five years, there has been no national council or delegates’ meeting. The party has failed to mobilize Ugandans for meaningful change,” he said.
A key factor in Amuriat’s resignation was UPC’s informal alliance with the NRM.
He criticized this arrangement for undermining the opposition’s role in Uganda’s political system.
“I joined UPC because I believed in its mission to fight tyranny and promote social justice. But the party’s cooperation with the NRM has made me disillusioned,” he remarked.
Amuriat also cited growing ideological differences with UPC.
He emphasized his commitment to social justice, the rule of law and human dignity – values he felt were no longer reflected in the party’s actions.
“My core beliefs have always been rooted in these values, but the UPC no longer represents them,” he added.
Amuriat expressed concern over UPC’s inability to engage with other opposition parties, hindering efforts to create a united front against the NRM.
He stressed the need for collaboration on crucial issues like electoral reforms to push for meaningful change.
Despite his resignation, Amuriat reaffirmed his commitment to public service and his vision for a better Uganda.
“I will continue to advocate for policy changes that matter to everyday people and work with anyone who shares my vision for a more inclusive society,” he said.
Amuriat’s departure follows the recent exit of Peter Lochom from UPC, further signaling shifts within the opposition in Uganda’s political landscape.