By Patriot Corps
Minister of Internal Affairs Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire on Saturday urged Lira City residents to support Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng in the upcoming general elections. He was the guest of honor at an event hosted by LUMBA, a group that brings boda boda riders under one roof. The same event saw the installation of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Health Minister and Lira City woman MP, as LUMBA’s new patron.
Minister Otafiire advised Lango to make informed decisions in the upcoming 2026 general elections and avoid electing leaders who may not contribute to the sub-region’s development. The General emphasized the importance of exercising one’s right to vote, encouraging Lira City residents to vote with caution and diligence.
“There are leaders who engage in divisive rhetoric rather than fostering unity,” he stated, receiving applause from the audience. “Do not support a leader who will not guide you towards progress.” His message was, of course, intended for Oyam South MP Betty Amongi.
Amongi, who also serves as Minister of Gender, has left her constituency and is now solely focused on Lira City. Otafiire also cautioned the electorate against being swayed by superficial charm or financial incentives, urging them to consider a leader’s potential contributions to the nation.
“I must inform you that if you choose to vote for any leader other than Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the people of Lira City should not hold me accountable for your decision to support Minister Amongi out of mere excitement,” he said. “Let us enjoy her contributions, but on election day, we must vote for Dr. Jane and President Yoweri Museveni.”
Otafiire urged Lango’s religious and cultural leaders to question Minister Amongi about her plans, especially in relation to her choice to cut ties with Oyam South, a community she has disregarded and criticized. He urged the people of Lira City not to support Amongi.
Moses Okori, Chairperson of LUMBA, emphasized the organization’s remarkable accomplishment of distributing over 8,000 motorcycles on loan since 2011. He praised Dr. Aceng for her instrumental role in facilitating the transition of their operations from Post Bank to Housing Finance Bank, which has improved the association’s financial stability.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM leadership, and the citizens of Lira for their trust and support. Reflecting on her professional journey from Director General of Health Services to Minister of Health, she reaffirmed her commitment to community service.
RCC of Lira, Lawrence Egole, praised Dr. Aceng for her significant contributions to improving healthcare in Lira City and across the country. He mentioned several accomplishments, such as the construction of a shs5.3 billion state-of-the-art laboratory, an incinerator at Aler, and upgrades to Anyangatir and Ober Health Centers, among others.
Dr. Aceng reaffirmed her commitment to the people of Lira, saying, “I love the people of Lira and will continue to work tirelessly for you. My record speaks for itself, and I urge you to make wise decisions in 2026.”
Since her arrival in Lira City, dozens of Oyam South residents have had mixed feelings about MP Amongi, with some saying they had lost hope in her leadership.
The event was attended by a number of politicians and local leaders, including Oyam district woman MP Santa Alum Ogwang, Otuke woman MP Jolly Susan Abeja, Kwania MP Tonny Ayoo, and Kyoga North MP James Olobo Dubai. Other prominent leaders were also in attendance, including Sam Atul, the mayor of the Lira City Council.
Source : tndnews