With the 2026 general elections fast approaching, political tensions are rising within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
A fierce rivalry has emerged between two cabinet ministers—Betty Amongi and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng—as they battle for the Lira city Woman MP seat. Amongi, the minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, currently represents Oyam South in parliament.
Over the weekend, she confirmed that she had officially relocated to Lira City and registered as a voter in Lira City Senior Quarters A, signaling her intent to challenge Aceng in the upcoming elections.
“I have changed my polling station from Minakulu sub-county to Lira City Senior Quarters A. Make no mistake, I am going to win,” Amongi declared, making her ambitions clear.
Her move has intensified political divisions in Lira, where Aceng, the minister of Health, currently serves as Woman MP. Amongi accused her rival of dividing the city’s leadership, vowing to restore unity. Speaking at Mayor’s gardens in Lira city, she expressed dissatisfaction with Aceng’s leadership, and pledged to bring the people together.
“I am saddened that this city is divided under the current member of parliament. I am here to unite Lira city. Lira is at the heart of Lango, and we will work together as the people of Lango to reclaim unity and build this city,” she said.
Amongi is no stranger to switching constituencies. She first entered parliament in 2001 as Woman MP for Apac district before winning re-election in 2006. After Oyam district was created, she successfully contested for Oyam South MP in 2011, defeating the incumbent Issa Otto Amija.
She retained the seat in 2016 and 2021, but her decision to shift to Lira city has set the stage for a high-stakes political battle in 2026.
UPC PRESIDENT AND NRM LEADERS WEIGH IN
Jimmy Akena, president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and husband to Amongi, has emphasized that Lira remains a UPC stronghold and dismissed the NRM’s influence in the region as temporary.
“In 2026, we are going to resume our normal business in Lira and beyond. As far as the agenda of UPC and the standard of living of the citizens are concerned, there is no com- promise,” Akena said, signaling his party’s intention to reclaim political dominance in the region.
Meanwhile, the ruling NRM is struggling to contain a growing feud between two of its cabinet ministers, Betty Amongi and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, both of whom are vying for the Lira city Woman MP seat. During a September 2024 consultation drive in Lango, NRM secretary general Richard Todwong acknowledged that the rivalry was causing divisions within the party and affecting grassroots support.
“We are aware that two ministers are vying for the same constituency, creating controversy in Lango. However, we believe that with time, this will be resolved, and the leaders involved will receive guidance on how to act as senior officials. Their internal struggles are affecting the grassroots,” Todwong said.
The meeting, attended by religious, political and community leaders, also saw some NRM members accusing UPC of stirring political instability in Lira city, Amolatar, Dokolo, and Ajuri county. Some urged Todwong to sever ties between the two parties, arguing that the NRM-UPC alliance was fueling unrest.
Dr Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, added to the controversy by stating that Amongi was not yet a member of the NRM and should be reminded of her position.
“Betty Amongi has not yet joined the NRM. If she is causing trouble within the party, remind her that she is not a member yet,” Odoi remarked.
GEN OTAFIIRE CHALLENGES BETTY AMONGI
The tensions escalated further last month when Internal Affairs minister General Kahinda Otafiire openly criticized Betty Amongi at the Lira City Boda-Boda Festival, an event organized by Dr Aceng and the Lira United Motorcycle Association (LUMBA). Otafiire called on Amongi to focus on her Oyam South constituency instead of competing in Lira city.
“Go back to your constituency and tell the people what you’ve done for them. Only then will they decide whether to welcome you back. Don’t bring your failures to the city. Why are you running away? What are you trying to escape from?” Otafiire challenged.
He praised Dr Aceng’s leadership, saying she had delivered beyond expectations. Comparing his own long tenure in parliament, Otafiire admitted that Aceng had accomplished more in four years than he had in nearly 40 years.
“If you claim that you’ve satisfied your constituents and that Dr Aceng has failed, then come and present your record. We’ll compare it to Aceng’s. From the very start, Aceng has far exceeded expectations. In my nearly 40 years in parliament, I haven’t achieved what Aceng has in just four years. When an MP fulfills even two promises from their campaign, they have succeeded. When I look at Aceng’s record, I feel intimidated. She is one of the most brilliant contributors in the cabinet,” Otafiire stated.
He further expressed admiration for Aceng’s sharp intellect and contributions in parliament, admitting that even when she challenges his views, he respects her perspective.
“She challenges me to reconsider my outdated ideas,” he added.
With the 2026 elections drawing closer, the battle for Lira city is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in Uganda. As NRM struggles to manage internal divisions and UPC positions itself for a comeback, the political future of Lira remains uncertain.
DR ACENG CONFIDENT AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
Dr Aceng has reaffirmed her determination to retain the Lira city Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections, expressing confidence in her record and ongoing efforts to serve her constituents. Speaking last month, the minister of Health assured her supporters that she remains committed to improving the lives of the people in Lira and is prepared for the upcoming political contest.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni has weighed in on the escalating tensions between Aceng and Amongi, who has also expressed interest in the seat. During his recent tour of the Lango sub-region, Museveni stressed the need for unity within his government and promised to personally intervene in the standoff.
“At some stage, I will talk to them and stop dividing our people,” the president said, signaling his intention to mediate between the two factions.
With the NRM leadership closely watching the situation, the battle for Lira City continues to draw national attention, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest in 2026.
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