Minister Otaffire’s more than an advice to Lira City electorate

Lira |The Lira City electorate will decide who will be the woman MP for 2026-2031 in the upcoming general elections in 2026.

As things stand, Lira City appears to be among the most hotly contested electoral districts in Lango politics in recent memory.

Two notable ladies, incumbent Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero (minister of health) and Betty Amongi (MP Oyam South), are already well-known, with nominations set to take place in the coming months.

One would argue that the incumbent has a better chance of winning her seat, while another would argue that an incomer would succeed.

However, all indications suggest that one’s extraordinary work, previous records in public service, and contributions to Lango may play an important role.

Each of the two women, Dr. Aceng and Amongi, have made contributions to their country. However, at the constituency level, things are not the same.

For example, in Oyam South, where Amongi has told them, “I am gone, good bye,” the majority of the electorate accuses her of doing too little and profiting financially from them through her gents or political proxies.

They claim that solars, gomesis, and hand hoes were never free. Last year, some Oyam South elders warned Lira City not to trust “their MP” with votes.

“Once elected, she does not return, and she will not,” said an elder on Loro town council.

Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs, has advised the electorate of Lira City, as have the Oyamians.

“I must inform you that if you choose to vote for any leader other than Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the people of Lira City should not hold me accountable for your decision to support Minister Amongi out of mere excitement,” the Minister said on Saturday in Lira City.

Minister Otaffire was the chief guest at the boda boda festival 2025. “Let us enjoy her contributions, but on election day, we must vote for Dr. Jane and President Yoweri Museveni.”

Otafiire also urged Lango’s religious and cultural leaders to question Minister Amongi about her plans, especially in relation to her choice to cut ties with Oyam South, a community she has disregarded and criticized.

Betty Amongi began her political career in the Apac District. She left the Apac district woman MP seat in 2011 to represent Oyam South.

The political doctor, as she is now affectionately known by her allies, has left for Lira.