Jane Ruth Aceng has called on the incoming Parliament to intensify the fight against corruption, saying it is critical for Uganda’s progress toward sustaining middle-income status.
Speaking to journalists shortly after being sworn in as Lira City Woman Member of Parliament on Wednesday, Aceng said the new legislative term must align with the development priorities outlined by President Museveni.
“Many of you are still aware that although we have already reached the middle-income status, we still have some challenges in certain areas that need improvement and therefore it is extremely important that the coming Parliament focuses on the message from His Excellency the President. We must fight corruption, we must fight corruption, we must ensure that we leap into the middle-income status,” she said.
Her swearing-in as Lira City Woman MP comes amid heightened political tensions following a fiercely contested election in which she defeated former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Akena.
Aceng secured victory with 38,000 votes, while Amongi polled 26,199 votes in the closely watched contest in Lira City.
However, the aftermath of the election has been marked by escalating political friction, allegations of malpractice, and sharp exchanges between the two senior politicians.
Tensions intensified following remarks attributed to Aceng suggesting that her electoral victory was influenced by divine intervention and spiritual struggle.
The comments were reportedly made during a birthday dinner for Muhoozi Kainerugaba, where Aceng framed her win as a “battle between God and Satan” and alleged that her opponent relied on witch doctors during the campaign.
“My opponent chose to walk with witch doctors, and when I saw that, I said, ‘God, I’m waiting for my victory.’ I told God, ‘This is a battle between Satan and You,’” she was quoted as saying.
“I did not win that election on my own; it was God who did it—He handed me the victory. On my own, I couldn’t fight someone who has been a politician for a long time, who has money, and who tells lies with wide-open eyes.”
Amongi condemned the remarks, describing them as reckless and inappropriate for public leadership discourse. She said the statements introduced superstition into formal political discussion and distracted from urgent national priorities.
She dismissed any claims of witchcraft involvement, stating that she is a devoted Catholic Christian who does not believe in such practices.
Amongi further criticised Aceng for, in her words, turning political discourse into “propaganda” and “superstition” rather than focusing on governance and development.
Beyond the personal dispute, Amongi also alleged that the election was neither free nor fair.
She claimed that Aceng publicly acknowledged the role of state security agencies in her victory during an April 18, 2026 celebration for President Museveni held in Lira.
According to Amongi, Aceng credited the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, police and prison services, as well as senior military officials including Keith Katungi, for contributing to the election outcome — claims Amongi interprets as an admission of electoral interference.
She also accused Anita Annet Among of allegedly playing a coordinating role in what she described as election-day manipulation.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the individuals named had not publicly responded at the time of publication.
Amongi said she initially remained silent after the election to avoid inflaming tensions in Lira City and the broader Lango sub-region.
“I have remained silent since the election, not because I accepted defeat, but because I understood that at that moment, reckless actions would plunge our community into chaos,” she said.
Amongi stressed that her silence should not be interpreted as acceptance of the results or political weakness.
She further argued that Aceng’s victory was not purely based on independent political strength, claiming the Health Minister benefited from broader political and institutional networks.
“The truth is that Dr Aceng is merely a beneficiary of a much bigger scheme against my candidacy,” she said, adding that Aceng lacks an independent political base in Lango and relies on external support structures.
Despite the contested outcome, Amongi maintained that her political influence in Lira City remains intact and pledged continued engagement with constituents on development issues.
The escalating exchange between the two ministers highlights growing political friction in northern Uganda, particularly within the Lango sub-region, where local electoral contests are increasingly shaped by national alliances and institutional dynamics.
