Lira City, Uganda – Oyam South Member of Parliament Betty Amongi has officially declared her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the upcoming 2026 General Election, a position currently held by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Amongi, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, made the announcement during an engagement in Lira City, stressing that her decision is grounded in the will of the people rather than personal rivalry.
“I’m not going to face anyone. The voters are the ones who are gallant. I’m only offering myself to represent them,” Amongi said in a firm tone, dismissing suggestions that her candidacy is a direct challenge to Dr. Aceng.
Amongi’s declaration sets the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched political contests in 2026. Both she and Dr. Aceng are prominent figures in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and their growing influence in Lango sub-region politics raises questions about party cohesion and voter alignment.
The potential face-off also highlights a broader trend in Ugandan politics: shifting political bases and regional realignments ahead of the 2026 polls.
While critics view the move as a bid to unseat Dr. Aceng, Amongi insists her decision is grounded in public service and accountability to voters in Lira City, a rapidly growing urban center with increasing demands for effective representation.
“I’m not driven by rivalry. I’m driven by duty and the voices of those who believe I can speak for them,” she emphasized.
Should the two ministers both seek NRM endorsement, the party will be forced to navigate internal dynamics carefully. Political analysts suggest that the development may trigger early primary elections, alliances, or even defection threats if not handled delicately.
Reactions from Lira City residents remain mixed, with some welcoming Amongi’s candidacy as fresh energy, while others call for unity over division. Local NRM leaders have urged calm, noting that the party will provide guidance when the right time comes.
With campaigns unofficially underway and the Electoral Commission yet to release the official roadmap, Betty Amongi’s bid adds momentum to an already charged political season. If confirmed, her contest against Minister Aceng could redefine the political landscape in Lira and possibly ripple beyond.
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