By Eumu Emmanuel
Lira City was abuzz on Saturday as thousands of people gathered to welcome and endorse Gender Minister Betty Amongi, who has expressed her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the 2026 general elections. Business came to a standstill as Amongi relocated her polling station from Akaideba Minakulu, Oyam District to Senior Quarters “A” in Lira City.
Amongi, who will be contesting against incumbent Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and current Minister of Health, declared, “I have registered and relocated because I will be contesting for the position of Lira City Woman MP and make no mistake, I am going to win.” She emphasized that her decision to contest was driven by a desire to unite the people of Lango, as Lira City is at the heart of the region.
Thousands of people across political divides blessed and endorsed Amongi, labeling her the UPC’s “iron lady.” They also urged Dr. Aceng to withdraw from the race, citing her alleged role in causing conflict among the people. Amongi was accompanied by thousands of supporters, including members of parliament loyal to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), as she trekked 2 kilometers from her home in Senior Quarters to her new polling station location.
UPC Party President Jimmy Michael Akena, who is also Amongi’s husband, and several MPs, including Maxwell Akora of Maruzi, Sodrick Obong Eyit of Lira City West Division, Nelson Okello Lemba of Maruzi North, and Sarah Aguti Nyangkori of Dokolo District, accompanied her. Amongi stated that she chose to become a minister because she recognizes the turbulent political history of Uganda, particularly the instability faced by people in Northern Uganda, which she believes can be solved through dialogue, engagement, social cohesion, and harmony.
Amongi criticized Dr. Aceng, saying, “She cannot build bridges, she cannot unite people across political divides and across religious divides.” She added, “The walk I have done today is the beginning of the walk to liberation.” Presidential Advisor in charge of the Lango region, Francis Okello Opio, and Lira District NRM Treasurer Geoffrey Etwop expressed their support for Amongi, stating that their target is to get the right person, not a party.
Akena announced that he will not seek re-election after serving for two years but is eyeing the presidency in the 2026 general election. He accused some leaders in Lira City of frustrating his project to aid boda-boda operators access motorbikes on a loan basis, claiming that the opposing party claimed to be NRM supporters and fans of President Museveni. “If the president is saying he wants people to earn and Akena is working along that line, why are you fighting Akena?” he asked.