Col. (Rtd) Dr. Ongia Urges Lango to Reject Rumours, Rally Behind GCW. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA, UGANDA– Col. (Rtd) Dr. John Francis Ongia, has appealed to the people of Lango to avoid making judgments based on emotions, rumors, and isolated recordings, amid ongoing public debate about Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ochero, the former Minister of Health and Woman MP Lira City who is now GCW.
In a statement issued this week, Col. Ongia said leadership naturally attracts criticism, but warned that public office should not be used to fuel division within the community.
“My appeal to fellow sons and daughters of Lango is that we should resist the temptation to make conclusions based on emotions, rumours, or isolated recordings before establishing the full facts,” he said.
Col. (Rtd) John Ongia noted that while genuine concerns about leaders should be raised, they must be handled through “respectful engagement, evidence, and the appropriate institutions.”
“If there are genuine concerns regarding Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ochero, they should be addressed through respectful engagement, evidence, and the appropriate institutions. Equally, if the allegations are unfounded, then fairness demands that we protect the reputation of individuals from unnecessary damage,” he added.
The retired army officer said Lango’s strength has historically been in producing leaders who reason objectively and place the common good above personalities.
“Do not let the devil divide us”
He cautioned against language that “demonizes fellow citizens or fuels internal divisions,” saying children are watching how the current generation handles disagreement.
“Healthy criticism builds societies; hatred and hypocrisy destroy them. Let us choose truth over rumours, unity over division, and wisdom over emotional reactions. We should not allow the devil to walk freely across Lango and divide people,” Col. Ongia said.
He concluded with prayers for the region’s leaders.
“May God Almighty bless all our children who are in the 12th Parliament. May God Almighty bless all our Ministers from Lango. May God Almighty bless Hon Dr Jane Aceng Ochero the GCW. In the Mighty Name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen,” he said.
Hon Dr. Aceng, who also serves as Government Chief Whip, and is the Lira City Woman MP.
In summary:
Col. (Rtd) Dr. John Francis Ongia has urged Lango people to avoid rumors and division, saying concerns about GCW Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng should be handled with facts and through proper channels.
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