BATTLE OF MINISTERS: The Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, has for the first time announced publicly that she will be contesting in Lira City as a woman Member of Parliament. Amongi currently represents Oyam South in Oyam District in the 11th Parliament. However, for some time now, rumors have been flying around that Amongi would contest in Lira. Lira City is currently represented by Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero. While appearing on Voice of Lango on Saturday evening, Amongi confirmed that she will seek to represent Lira City women in the 12th Parliament. Amongi said that her husband, Jimmy Akena, will be attempting to unseat President Yoweri Museveni in 2026. Akena is the current MP for Lira City East Division. She argued that since Akena is leaving Lira City, it is only okay that she “takes care of home.”

Amongi further argued that her decision is democratic given that it is a right to contest anywhere. She said that while some people are against her not contesting against Amongi, others are pleading with her to move to Lira City. 

In the end, Amongi said that preparation determines who wins and who loses. 

Visibly, Amongi did not look worried. Aceng brags of her popularity during the fight against COVID-19. Amongi, on the other hand, is known for defeating many for direct seats, including men. She has been in Parliament for over 20 years. Aceng, on the other hand, is yet to see off her first term in office after defeating UPC’s Joy Ongom in 2021.