Joy Ruth Acheng, the former Ugandan High Commissioner to Canada and former Woman MP for Kole District, has publicly declared that she has never been a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Acheng was expelled from Canada in September 2024, after being declared persona non grata on August 21, with Canadian authorities accusing her of breaching diplomatic protocol. She had served as Uganda’s top envoy to Canada since September 2017.
While speaking at a political mobilization event for Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president Jimmy Akena in Kole District, Acheng made an emotional and defiant statement reaffirming her long-standing allegiance to UPC.
“I just want to assure you that I have never been NRM. I only worked for the government when I was appointed ambassador to Canada because I respect authority—and I did that job very well,” Acheng said.
She emphasized that her appointment was not a reflection of political alignment with the ruling party, but rather a national duty.
“When I was kicked out of Canada, I was wearing yellow. I was defending president Yoweri Museveni, and I was defending my country. I defended President Museveni as the one who appointed me—but I am UPC,” she reiterated.
Acheng addressed earlier criticism surrounding her appointment, which had raised eyebrows among some NRM loyalists who questioned why a non-party member was given such a significant diplomatic post.
“Museveni knew why he appointed me. He sent me to Canada, and I served diligently, effectively, and efficiently,” she said.
Now back in her home district, Acheng is seeking to return to elective politics by reclaiming the Woman MP seat for Kole, a position she previously held.
“I’m back. I’m mobilizing to return to my seat as Woman Member of Parliament for Kole District. I recently turned down a diplomatic appointment to the Bahamas as Uganda’s envoy,” she disclosed.
