Akena downplays Amongi’s move as UPC prepares for Lira City battle

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has downplayed concerns over party member Betty Amongi’s decision to contest for Lira city woman parliamentary seat.

Speaking to NBS TV on the matter, Akena, who currently serves as Lira City East MP, described Lira City as the political heart of the Lango sub-region and emphasised that electoral competition is a normal part of the democratic process.

“Lira City is essentially the centre of politics in Lango. We are free to contest in any constituency, so I don’t see why Amongi’s decision should raise concerns,” he said.

Amongi, currently the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), is seeking to shift from her current constituency to Lira City, setting up a potential clash between National Resistance Movement (NRM) and UPC candidates.

Her move has also intensified political tensions within the ruling NRM party, where she faces competition from Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for the Lira City Woman MP seat.

Recently, Amongi confirmed that she had officially relocated to Lira City and registered as a voter in Lira City Senior Quarters A, signalling her intent to challenge Aceng in the upcoming elections.

“I have changed my polling station from Minakulu sub-county to Lira City Senior Quarters A. Make no mistake, I am going to win,” she declared, making her ambitions clear.

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.

Amongi is no stranger to switching constituencies. She first entered parliament in 2001 as Woman MP for Apac District before winning re-election in 2006.

After Oyam District was created, she 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.

“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,” he stated.

However, Akena also took a swipe at NRM, accusing the ruling party of failing to protect citizens from economic exploitation.

“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,” he said.

As UPC gears up for the elections, Akena expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in Lira City.

“We are going to field our candidates, and in my estimation, I am very confident we are going to win the Lira City seat,” he said.

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.