Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has summoned the Erute South Member of Parliament (MP), Jonathan Odur, over allegations of joining the ‘People Power’ pressure group.
Recently, Odur, a member of UPC, was appointed as a ‘People Power’ co-ordinator for Lango sub-region, to spearhead the pressure group’s mobilization activities in the region.
The appointment of Odur is said to have angered the hierarchy of the party. According to the UPC spokesperson, Michael Osinde, Odur is expected to be subjected to the party’s disciplinary committee, to answer why he is working for another political group.
Osinde, during the party’s weekly press conference at the UPC headquarters in Kampala yesterday, clarified that contesting in an election or acting as an agent, financing, supporting and campaigning for a person who stands in opposition to the party is an offense.
He said such an act will make the “member lose membership”. Osinde further said Odur heads the party’s mobilization in the constituency and, therefore, could not work for two political groups. He said the MP did not consult the party leadership regarding the matter.
He, however, extolled Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi’s vision of seeing that UPC has a role to play in bringing change to Uganda.
“As UPC, we welcome all people who seek to lead Uganda into a united, democratic, peaceful and prosperous nation. Bobi Wine’s idea of joining with all forces of change is welcome,” Osinde noted.
Efforts to talk to MP Odur proved futile as he was not answering his phone calls. Meanwhile, UPC has embarked on nationwide party reconciliation among members, to diffuse tension within the party.
“The last party elections caused conflicts that drew members into it. In pursuit of harmony, the Netherlands Institute of Multi-Party Democracy (NIMD), through IPOD, offered funds to carry out a program on reconciliation,” the party said.
The party’s national chairman, Lawrence Okae, clarified that the party has identified target leaders to benefit from the training.