Lira City NRM Leaders Accuse UPC's Amongi of Lying for Sympathy As Dr. Aceng Leads In MP Race

Lira City NRM Leaders Deny Allegations by Gender Minister Betty Amongi, Call Claims Baseless and Politically Motivated 

A group of NRM party chairpersons, mobilizers, and senior cadres in Lira City have dismissed recent claims made by Gender Minister Betty Amongi Akena, describing as baseless and politically motivated efforts to sway public opinion against the incumbent Member of Parliament, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.

On a national  Television recently, Amongi alleged that Dr. Aceng, her main challenger in the upcoming elections, had “removed and chased” some NRM chairpersons in Lira City and recruited them into her camp to support the Uganda People's Congress (UPC). Amongi claimed that these chairpersons had defected due to internal disputes within the party and accused Dr. Aceng of orchestrating these defections.

However, during a joint press conference held on Sunday at Lira Hotel, the leaders vehemently condemned the allegations, dismissing them as unfounded and politically motivated. They described Amongi’s claims as “politics of personality” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Aceng’s reputation ahead of the polls.

Emmanuel Okello, a long-time resident of Lira City and a voter since 1996, expressed deep disappointment over the allegations. “We are shocked by the behavior and the kind of politics that Gender Minister Betty Amongi Akena is bringing into Lira City. This politics of personality has never been part of our culture here,” Okello said. He added that Dr. Aceng deserved recognition for her remarkable contributions both nationally and internationally and should have been declared unopposed due to her achievements. Instead, she is subjected to a competitive electoral process, which Okello confidently believes she will win.

David Sabiti, a seasoned NRM mobilizer and chairperson for Adikdik Gweno (A) in Boke Ward, also dismissed Amongi’s claims as “baseless and nonexistent.” “As NRM chairpersons, we are busy protecting the party’s gains and mobilizing support for President Museveni and Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng. Such propaganda will not distract us from pursuing what is right for our party and the people of Lira City,” Sabiti declared. He emphasized that the NRM leaders are united in their support for Dr. Aceng and are committed to ensuring her victory in the upcoming elections.

Ogom Olet Bobi Sam, a parish chairperson and NRM veteran, warned that the allegations are dangerous, misleading, and lack any evidence. “Amongi must stop this useless propaganda and instead focus on accounting for her actions during her time in Parliament since 2011,” he stated. He criticized her for spreading falsehoods that Dr. Aceng chased away party chairpersons, describing such claims as mere fabrications. 

Bobi Sam assured Dr. Aceng of their full support and dismissed Amongi’s accusations as part of a “smear campaign.” He further described Minister Amongi as an outsider who has contributed little to the development of Lira City and the larger Lango region. Recalling past incidents, he pointed out that in the past, community members would withhold support from those who failed to contribute during local events, even going to the extent of giving them “fault tubes” to prevent access or benefits—an act he implied was meant to discourage unproductive behavior.

He urged the people of Lira City not to vote for Minister Amongi, accusing her of engaging in propaganda rather than genuine service. 

Meanwhile, George Okello, the lead petitioner told journalists that their coalition would not allow propaganda to mislead the voters. “The people of Lira City have made up their minds to ensure that Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng retains her parliamentary seat,” Okello emphasized. He assured the public that their campaign would remain focused on issues and development, rather than mudslinging.

An attempt to speak to Fred Walter Minyang, the UPC spokesperson for Lango was unsuccessful while filing this articles to get official party response over the issue. 

As the polls approach, these leaders reaffirm their support for Dr. Aceng and call on voters to ignore baseless accusations and focus on her proven track record of service and leadership.