Anthony Akol, the Kilak North Member of Parliament, often referred to as “Parliament’s Elephant” due to his commanding presence in Uganda’s legislative assembly, has expressed serious concerns over alleged death threats from supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP). These threats, he claims, were triggered by a heated exchange during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Akol has reported that NUP supporters have been sending him threatening messages, some of which also targeted his family and the Acholi community. According to Akol, the messages were not only personally offensive but also laden with tribal insults, accusing him and his people of supporting President Museveni. He cited examples of derogatory remarks, such as calls for the Acholi to be labeled “stupid” for their supposed political allegiance.
“Acholi people have suffered under Museveni’s regime, facing issues like poverty. It’s wrong to bring tribal sentiment into political disagreements,” Akol said, firmly denying any direct support for the president. He further emphasized the challenges his community faces, particularly conflicts over land and the presence of Balalo pastoralists in the Acholi subregion.
Akol took the opportunity to call for an end to tribal divisions, asserting that his actions in Parliament were motivated not by party loyalty or tribal allegiance, but by a desire to address the pressing issues facing his constituents. He expressed no animosity toward the Baganda people or any other ethnic group, reinforcing his stance on unity.
Despite the threats, Akol remains unrepentant about the altercation with MP Francis Zaake, whom he accused of provoking him during their tense exchange. Reflecting on the incident, Akol said, “Zaake is much younger than me—he’s the same age as my children. In our African culture, respect is crucial, especially in public. His actions, like lifting his leg toward me, were deeply disrespectful.”
The clash between Akol and Zaake reflects broader tensions within Uganda’s political landscape, as party supporters and MPs alike are urged to maintain mutual respect in their debates. Akol’s call for restraint and understanding comes at a time when political discourse in the country is becoming increasingly charged, with personal and tribal animosities sometimes overshadowing productive dialogue.
As Akol stands firm in his demand for an apology from Zaake, he continues to advocate for unity and peaceful resolution of political disputes, hoping to steer Uganda’s political climate away from personal and tribal conflict.
