The minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has criticized Gender Minister Betty Amongi, calling her a political failure undeserving of further support as a member of parliament.
Earlier this year, Amongi, the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) representative and current Oyam South MP, declared her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections. Her announcement signals a direct challenge to Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the incumbent Lira City Woman MP and minister of Health. This has intensified political rivalry between the two leaders, both of whom enjoy considerable support in the Lango sub-region.
Over the weekend, Otafiire joined other MPs in Lira for the Lira City Boda-Boda Festival, organized by Aceng in collaboration with the Lira United Motorcycle Association (LUMBA). Speaking at the event, Otafiire criticized Amongi for allegedly neglecting her current constituency in Oyam and questioned her motivation to contest in Lira City.
“Service is service – whether you’re UPC, whether you’re DP, whether you’re NRM or you don’t belong to any political party, a medical facility is a medical facility. Don’t vote for my party, don’t vote for my religion, don’t vote for my clan, vote for services. My sister Amongi, UPC, you have your constituency, if you have been giving milk why are you running away? Go back and tell your constituents what you did for them so that they approve of your coming here. Don’t bring your failure to the city. Why are running away, what are you running from?” Otafiire remarked.
He commended Aceng for her achievements in both her constituency and her cabinet role, highlighting her ability to challenge and inspire him.
“For a beginner, Jane has exceeded expectations. I have been in parliament for almost 40 years, I have not achieved what Jane has achieved. When a member of parliament achieves two promises in a campaign, she has excelled. When I look at her record, I feel intimidated and secondly, Jane is one of the most brilliant contributors in cabinet. When Jane makes a contribution, she makes me proud even when she’s contradicting my views. I listen and say but what Jane has said makes a lot of sense. She more often than not makes me abandon my conservative and outdated ideas. She’s one of the few people that contribute positively to the cause of development,” Otafiire added.
The state minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, called for unity among leaders in the Lango sub-region. He urged cultural and religious leaders to mediate and encourage Amongi to remain in Oyam, emphasizing that both Aceng and Amongi are assets to the region.
“I don’t see the reason why we should lose the minister of Health of Uganda here in Lango. What are we looking for? What do you people want? I challenge you the people of Lango, sit down one of your daughters, let her be where she has been. Let Aceng be here, after all, all of them are one dining table. Where are the religious leaders, where are the cultural leaders? This is where we need, we cannot lose two and then tomorrow you begin saying NRM doesn’t like you yet you’re the very people fighting your own,” Ogwang said.
Kyoga North MP James Olobo, popularly known as Dubai, echoed similar sentiments, warning Amongi against provoking Aceng. He emphasized the importance of both leaders serving in their respective roles for the benefit of the region.
“This is Aceng’s home and Amongi’s home is the other side, so why are we fighting when we are all children of Lango? We want both of them, Aceng and Amongi, as they each have their own constituency. For that reason, we do not want provocation!” Olobo stated.
Aceng expressed confidence in her leadership and welcomed competition, emphasizing her commitment to community service. She reflected on her career, which began as Director General of Health Services at the ministry of Health, and highlighted her achievements in her current roles.
Betty Amongi, who has represented Oyam South in parliament since 2011, previously served as Woman MP for Apac district.
Source By URN