Akena Downplays Amongi’s Move as Lira City Race Heats Up

Uganda People's Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has downplayed concerns over party member Betty Amongi's decision to contest for the Lira City Woman Parliamentary seat. Akena, currently serving as Lira City East MP, emphasized that electoral competition is a normal part of the democratic process. He stated, "We are free to contest in any constituency, so I don't see why Amongi's decision should raise concerns."

Amongi, the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), is shifting from her current constituency to Lira City. This move sets up a potential clash between NRM and UPC candidates. Her decision has intensified political tensions within the NRM, where she faces competition from Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for the Lira City Woman MP seat.

Recently, Amongi confirmed her relocation to Lira City and registered as a voter in Lira City Senior Quarters A, signaling her intent to challenge Aceng in the upcoming elections. She declared, "I have changed my polling station from Minakulu sub-county to Lira City Senior Quarters A. Make no mistake, I am going to win."

Her decision has sparked divisions in Lira, where Aceng, the incumbent Woman MP, has maintained a strong presence. Amongi accused her rival of fostering political discord and vowed to restore unity. She is no stranger to switching constituencies, having first entered parliament in 2001 as Woman MP for Apac District before winning re-election in 2006.

After Oyam District was created, Amongi 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.

Addressing speculation about tensions between UPC and NRM over the race, Akena dismissed claims of political infighting, asserting that both parties have always contested against each other in elections. He stated, "In every election I have contested, and in every election Honorable Betty has contested, we have had NRM candidates. We have competed against them without any problems."

Akena also criticized the NRM, accusing the ruling party of failing to protect citizens from economic exploitation. He said, "People deserve an opportunity to own assets and earn a living. If NRM wants them to continue being exploited, let them go ahead, but as for me, I will stand for the people and for candidates who can represent them."

As UPC gears up for the elections, Akena expressed confidence in the party's ability to secure victory in Lira City. He stated, "We are going to field our candidates, and in my estimation, I am very confident we are going to win the Lira City 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. With the 2026 general elections fast approaching, the battle for Lira City is shaping up to be one of the most competitive political contests in the region.

Akena's remarks highlight the UPC's readiness to embrace electoral competition and their commitment to representing the interests of the people in Lira City. The upcoming elections will test the party's strategies and the electorate's response to these political dynamics.