Anthony Akol, the Kilak North Member of Parliament, known as “Parliament’s Elephant” for his strong presence in Uganda’s legislative assembly, has voiced concern over alleged death threats from supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Following a tense exchange in Tuesday’s plenary session, Akol claims that NUP supporters have been sending him threatening messages aimed not only at him but also at his family and the Acholi community.
Akol stated that the messages were both personally offensive and laced with tribal accusations, accusing him and the Acholi people of supporting President Museveni.
“They say Acholi are stupid, that I support Museveni… Acholi has suffered during his regime with issues like poverty. It is wrong to bring tribal sentiments into this,” Akol said.
He denied any affiliation with the president, emphasizing the hardships endured by the Acholi people under the current administration.
The MP also referenced ongoing challenges in the Acholi subregion, where residents face conflicts over land disputes, especially with the presence of Balalo pastoralists.
He called for an end to tribal divides and clarified that his actions were not about party allegiance, personal grudge, or tribal bias, adding that he holds no resentment toward the Baganda people or any other group.
Akol, however, remains unrepentant about Tuesday’s incident in parliament and is instead demanding an apology from MP Francis Zaake, whom he accused of provoking him.
Referring to their heated exchange, Akol remarked, “Zaake is much younger than me – he’s of an age with my children.
“In our African culture, respect is essential, especially in how we conduct ourselves in public. It was inappropriate for him to lift his leg toward another man in that way. Such conduct is disrespectful.”
As tension grows between party supporters and MPs, Akol’s statements underscore the need for mutual respect and unity in Uganda’s political landscape, urging that debates avoid crossing into personal and tribal animosity.
For now, he remains firm in his stance, requesting restraint and understanding from the public and the Assembly.
