“Political doctor” Amongi laments as Dr Aceng promises Lira City transformation

The contest between two Ugandan cabinet ministers all from Lango was one of those making national headlines.

Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, and Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi Ongom not only painted Lira City yellow and red, but also had huge followings.

The huge followings, however, failed to turn into votes for “political doctor” on January 15 when the country and Lira City electorate took part in the parliamentary (general) elections.

After leaving the electorate of Oyam South two and a half years into her 2021-2026 legislative term, Amongi left for Lira City where she primed herself to become the next Woman Member of Parliament.

Almost everyone in the Lango sub-region knew the Oyam South MP, Amongi, would face her toughest political challenge in decades. Conversely, the contender was putting herself on top – first amid public doubts.

Those behind her, especially campaign members, put all efforts to de-campaign Dr Aceng, often labelling her as a non-performer and the worst MP for the young city.

Additionally, the pro-Amongi teams, including the “political doctor” herself, kept blaming Lira City Woman MP of “bragging about the government programs and achievements” as hers.

Like Amongi and her teams, Dr Aceng’s campaign members branded Amongi’s programs in the city as “politically motivated” and would “cease after the polls.”

During campaign periods, well-organised propaganda, blackmail, and physical and online violence dominated Lira City’s political spaces. Both candidates were blackmailed, but one of them kept watching with her eyeglasses on.

While candidates Aceng and Amongi had manifestos for five years, on January 15, the electorate of Lira City made a point and elected one whose manifesto found comfort in their hearts.

Following that high-stakes election which Amongi laments was “militarised”, on January 16, 2026, Lira City Returning Officer James Aggrey Ipeto declared the incumbent as Lira City woman MP-elect.

Dr Aceng secured 38,074 votes against her opponent who received 26,199 votes. A total of 11,875 votes was the difference.

Speaking to journalists in Lira City on January 16, 2026, Dr Aceng thanked the people of Lira City for “their trust and for re-electing her to continue serving.”

She stated that the victory was not a miracle but the result of her achievements during her four-year term in Parliament.

Dr Aceng pledged to unite the people of Lira City and improve service delivery to her constituents, including expanding access to clean water, rehabilitating poor roads, and continuing to lobby for more government services.

She also called for togetherness, unity, and peace following the election. “Let us leave the past behind as we develop our small city of Lira. I call upon everyone to love one another. The election has ended; let us come together and work hard for our people,” she said.

On January 19, 2026, political doctor Amongi spoke on a local radio station in Lira City and accused Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and her victorious opponent, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero of orchestrating electoral malpractice against her.

Minister Amongi alleged that the Speaker of Parliament mobilised shs4.2 billion and ten buses to bribe voters and manipulate ballots.

She also claimed that UPDF soldiers were involved in the Lira City election process. “I am not contesting the results due to the high level of manipulation during the election,” she stated, further claiming that security personnel had threatened two radio stations, barred her from appearing, and stopped her from accessing radio talk shows.

When contacted for a response to Minister Amongi’s allegations, the UPDF 5th Division Public Relations Officer, Captain Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, confirmed that it was true some UPDF personnel whose names were on the voters’ register voted for a candidate of their choice in Lira City, and that this occurred in only four polling stations.

He added: “It is the right of every Ugandan aged 18 and above to exercise their franchise in any election in this country. However, it is not true that all the UPDF were involved in the Lira City election. I therefore urge the Honourable Minister not to involve my security forces in the Lira City election dispute.”