BATTLE OF MINISTERS: DR.JANE ACENG AND BETTY AMONGI HEAD FOR FINAL IN LIRA CITY WOMAN MP RACE
By Our Reporting Team
( TAYARI NEWS UGANDA )
LIRA CITY, UGANDA – January 10, 2026 – The political temperature in Lira City is soaring as the January 15th parliamentary elections draw near, setting the stage for a better choice between two of Uganda’s most powerful female ministers: the incumbent, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Hon. minister Betty Amongi Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
This is not merely an election; it is a test of party strength in the heart of the Lango sub-region, and a choice between two distinct visions for the future of Lira City.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the incumbent WMP, who also serves as the Minister of Health, is seeking to retain the seat on the NRM ticket. Her campaign is anchored on a message of continuity. Dr. Aceng has pointed to the upgrading of health facilities, the tarmacking of key roads, various women and youth empowerment programs as evidence of her effective representation.
Her campaign is inline with the NRM manifesto of “protecting the gains,” Health service delivery , clean water access , wealth creation among others to benefit her constituents.
Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the current Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, is running a vigorous campaign to claim the seat from Hon Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero.She has embarked on ORIB CING slogan of financial empowerment, Health insurance card , soft school fees loan, electricity and jobs for the Ghetto youth in Lira city.
On the streets of Lira City, voters are engaged in intense debates. The key issues dominating discussions include unemployment among the youth, the state of healthcare services at local facilities, the welfare of market vendors, and the completion of stalled infrastructure projects, access to clean water, better road improvement among others
“We have two ministers. It is a blessing and a challenge,” said Opio David, a 28-year-old businessman of Lira city East Division.
Political analysts describe the race as too close with
both candidates gaining momentum daily, and their campaigns have been highly organized.
As the campaign enters its final days, both camps are intensifying their efforts, mobilizing supporters, and making last-minute appeals. The eyes of the nation will be on Lira City on January 15th, as its voters decide which of these two political heavyweights will earn the right to represent them in the 12th Parliament.
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