Otafiire emphasized that politicians are elected based on their contributions to development within their constituencies and urged Amongi to contest in Oyam if she believes she has served her constituents well.
Rt. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and other Members of Parliament have de-campaigned Gender Minister Betty Amongi in Lira City. Earlier this year, Amongi, the incumbent Oyam South MP declared her candidacy for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections.
Her announcement signaled a challenge to the incumbent, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who is also the Minister of Health. This declaration has fueled political rivalry between the two leaders, both of whom enjoy significant support in the Lango sub-region.
Over the weekend, Otafiire and other MPs were in Lira for the Lira City Boda-Boda Festival organized by Lira City Woman MP Dr. Aceng in collaboration with the Lira United Motorcycle Association (LUMBA). Speaking at the event, Otafiire criticized Amongi for neglecting her current constituency in Oyam.
Otafiire emphasized that politicians are elected based on their contributions to development within their constituencies and urged Amongi to contest in Oyam if she believes she has served her constituents well.
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He went on to commend Aceng for her achievements both in her constituency and in the cabinet, noting her ability to challenge his ideas and push him beyond his comfort zone.
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Peter Ogwang Osuk, the Minister of State for Sports, expressed the need for both Aceng and Amongi to remain in the cabinet to serve Lango. He called on cultural and religious leaders to counsel Amongi and encourage her to continue representing Oyam.
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Kyoga North MP James Olobo, also known as Dubai, warned Amongi against provoking Aceng. He emphasized that Lango benefits from having both leaders serve in their respective roles.
Luo bite:
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Translation:
“This is Aceng’s home and Amongi’s home is the other side, so why are we fighting when we are all children of Lango? We want both of them, Aceng and Amongi, as they each have their own constituency. For that reason, we do not want provocation!”
In response, Dr. Aceng expressed confidence in her leadership, stating she is not afraid of competition. She reaffirmed her commitment to community service, tracing her journey from serving as Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health to her current role.
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Betty Amongi has represented Oyam South in Parliament since 2011, having previously served as the Woman MP for Apac District.