By Sekaggya Seka Moses
In a move that promises to shake up Uganda’s political landscape, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Betty Amongi Ongom has officially declared her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the 2026 elections.
This development sets the stage for a thrilling political showdown between Amongi and her colleague, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the incumbent MP and Minister of Health.
Although Amongi is a member of the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party, she has held various ministerial positions in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party-led government, including her current role.
This unique situation highlights the complexities of Ugandan politics.
Amongi’s political career spans over two decades, having been first elected to parliament in 2001 as the woman member of parliament for Apac district.
She was re-elected in 2006 and later elected as the woman member for parliament for Oyam South in 2011 and 2016.
In a surprise move following the 20 February 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections, President Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement political party named her Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, despite her affiliation to the opposition Uganda People’s Congress.
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Amongi’s ministerial portfolio has undergone several changes over the years.
In a cabinet reshuffle on 14 December 2019, she was named cabinet minister of Kampala Capital City, switching dockets with Beti Kamya-Turwomwe, who took over at Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
In June 2021, Amongi was appointed Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development in the new cabinet.
In her personal life, Amongi is married to Jimmy Akena, the member of Parliament for Lira Municipality and president of the opposition Uganda People’s Congress.
Jimmy Akena is the son of Milton Obote, the two-time former Prime Minister and President of Uganda.
The traditional marriage took place in Minakulu sub-county, Oyam District, and was attended by 32 members of parliament. President Yoweri Museveni, a friend of the couple, also attended the wedding.
According to sources, Amongi is said to be unhappy with the way Aceng has represented the Lira City Woman MP constituency and believes that she can do a better job.
Aceng, who is a member of the NRM party, has been the Lira City Woman MP since 2016.
Dr. Aceng, on the other hand, has been a stalwart in the NRM party, serving as the Minister of Health since June 2016.
Prior to her ministerial appointment, she served as the Director General of Medical Services in the Ugandan Ministry of Health from June 2011 to June 2016.
As the 2026 elections draw near, this contest is expected to be closely watched, with many analysts predicting a fierce battle between the two ministers.
Amongi’s decision to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat has already generated significant excitement, with hundreds of residents from Ongica B cell, Anai Ward, Lira City West Division, pledging their support for her candidacy.
The outcome of this contest will not only determine the next Lira City Woman MP but also have significant implications for the NRM party’s internal dynamics.
As the campaign season heats up, Ugandans will be watching with bated breath to see how this intriguing political showdown unfolds.
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