By KT Reporter
The political atmosphere in Lira City remains calm following the January 2026 general elections, where the incumbent Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng (popularly known as Ceng A Lango ) secured a decisive victory over the Minister of Gender, Hon. Betty Amongi.
In the wake of this defeat, Hon. Amongi has leveled unsubstantiated accusations against key national figures and the security forces with total bitterness because she can’t imagine being defeated for the first time in her political career by the humble yet mission-oriented Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Baseless and the “Healing Process”:
Hon. Amongi has publicly accused the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among (AAA) of ferrying over 4 buses of people to manipulate the Lira City polls in favor of Dr. Aceng. Furthermore, she has alleged that the UPDF and other security agencies were used to pre-tick ballots and intimidate her supporters.
Observers and constituents in Lira City have responded to these claims by suggesting that the appropriate venue for such serious allegations is the Judiciary. The following points outline the growing call for a shift from public discourse to legal proceedings:
A Call for Legal Recourse:
If substantial evidence exists regarding electoral malpractice or the unauthorized involvement of security forces, the Ugandan legal system provides a specific framework for petitions.
Utilizing the Judicial System:
Rather than seeking redress through public statements, aggrieved parties are encouraged to file formal petitions. This allows for a transparent examination of facts and protects the integrity of the democratic process.
Respecting the Electoral Outcome:
The voters of Lira City expressed their preference at the polls. Until a court proves otherwise, the results stand as a reflection of the democratic will.
Maintaining Institutional Integrity:
Allegations involving the Speaker of Parliament and the UPDF are significant. Presenting these matters in court ensures that such institutions are not unfairly maligned without a fair trial.
Moving Forward for Lira City:
The focus in Lira City remains on service delivery and regional development. Community leaders suggest that the most constructive path forward is for all political actors to respect the official results or seek a legal resolution. This approach ensures that the “Ceng Atedero” administration and the people of Lira can focus on the city’s future without the distraction of unverified claims.
Therefore, the message to those disputing the election results is direct: gather all available evidence and present it before a judge. A court of law, rather than the court of public opinion, is the legitimate place to resolve such disputes and defend the authenticity of the vote.
However, according to available accounts, security forces intervened following incidents allegedly linked to Hon Betty Amongi’s directives that resulted in attacks on supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), involving dangerous weapons such as pangas and machetes.
These incidents reportedly led to the tragic loss of life and left several individuals with lasting injuries. Such developments, highlight the urgent need for accountability and a firm commitment to peaceful political engagement.
Besides, Hon Amongi is aware of the freedom of choice, hence AAA is at will to democratically choose whoever to support.
By and large, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero is the legitimate woman Member of Parliament for Lira City and Hon. Betty Amongi lost her bid for the same seat. She must wait for 2031 and, in futility, try her luck again.
