By Okidi Patrick
Hon. Betty Amongi Akena Fuels Entrepreneurship, Redefines Community Prosperity in Lira City.
LIRA CITY, UGANDA —December 22, 2025: In a city where dreams are increasingly becoming businesses, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena Lira City Woman MP UPC candidate, is spearheading a movement to empower women and youth through economic inclusion. “When women succeed, communities thrive,” the Lira City representative Hon Amongi Betty declared, echoing the transformative impact of her initiatives that have already injected over UGX 400 million into local small businesses.
The program, part of Hon. Amongi Akena’s broader vision to rescue, rebuild, and reset Lira City, has provided critical funding to women market vendors and grassroots groups, catalyzing self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship. Among the beneficiaries are 570 tailoring beneficiaries, now equipped with sewing machines, along with food vending points, poultry farms, produce businesses, and hair salons. These enterprises are not just generating income—they are reshaping lives according to Hon. Odongo Odul Peter, one of the Unit manifesto team of Hon.Betty Amongi Akena 2026-2031 campaign team.
A vendor who spoke to our reporter at Lira Main market, shared her story: “I can now send my children to school without borrowing—I feel proud and capable.” Her sentiment is emblematic of a growing movement where women are not only addressing household challenges but also claiming financial independence and dignity.
The economic ripple effects are profound. Families are accessing education and healthcare, while communities witness a surge in local commerce. Poultry farms are supplying fresh eggs and meat, tailors are outfitting local markets, and small salons are becoming hubs of social and economic activity. Hon. Akena emphasizes, “Empowering women isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about transforming families, neighborhoods, and ultimately, Lira City.”
Focussing on Youth & Women agenda, Hon. Betty Akena’s initiatives also extend to youth empowerment, aligning with her 2026–2031 manifesto. By fully encouraging entrepreneurship among young people and equipping them with tools to build sustainable ventures, the program aims to curb unemployment and foster innovation. “Our youth are our future, and their dreams are the heartbeat of Lira’s progress,” she stated.
Rescue, Rebuild Reset Agenda.
As part of the Rescue, Rebuild, Reset campaign, Hon. Akena’s team, (the HON. BAA MANIFESTO UNIT), promises expanded access to microloans, vocational training, and mentorship. “This is just the beginning,” she asserted. “We will scale these efforts to ensure no woman or young person is left behind.”
Ahead 2026 general election , the slogan “Orib Cing Bedi cente ciao, Expect more!!” resonates as both a political call-to-action and a testament to the tangible progress already underway. Lira City, once grappling with economic stagnation, now buzzes with the energy of a community reclaiming its potential—one tailored dress, poultry farm, and school fee at a time.
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