The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has reassured the public and its staff members after reports surfaced of delayed salary payments over the past few months. Japheth Nyakundi, the party’s national treasurer, acknowledged the issue in a recent phone interview but maintained that steps have been taken to rectify the situation moving forward.
“For a brief period, there were some hiccups that led to delays in compensating our staff members on time,” Nyakundi stated. “However, I want to make it clear that this matter has been resolved, and salaries will be disbursed promptly from now on.”
Nyakundi further emphasized that the party remains united and stable, dismissing rumors of internal divisions or power struggles. He likened political parties to institutions bound by rules and regulations, asserting that the UDA’s grassroots elections are progressing smoothly as planned.
The party’s digital communications director, Antonella Kakuko, also refuted earlier reports suggesting that the UDA’s social media pages had been compromised. “Our Facebook page is secure and was never hacked,” Kakuko clarified. “The only issue was a temporary access restriction for some editors and admins, which has been resolved.”
While the party’s Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, recently drew criticism for issuing warnings to prominent UDA leaders and Cabinet Secretaries regarding politicking, Nyakundi defended Malala’s right to express his opinions.
However, political analyst Albert Kasembeli cautioned that the internal conflicts and leadership wrangles within the UDA present a risk of the party losing its grip on national politics. “Internal strife can undermine party unity, effectiveness, and public trust,” Kasembeli warned. “To avoid disintegration, the UDA needs to address these issues promptly and transparently.”
Kasembeli drew parallels between the UDA’s current situation and the disarray that has plagued other major parties in the past, emphasizing the importance of resolving internal power struggles to maintain public confidence and avoid dysfunction.
As the UDA navigates these challenges, all eyes will be on the party’s ability to restore order, unity, and focus on its governance objectives in the interest of its constituents and the nation as a whole.