Political competition should never descend into hate speech, character assassination, or the spread of unverified allegations. It is disappointing to witness continued attacks against Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng through media platforms, with claims and narratives appear intended to damage her reputation rather than engage in constructive political debate.
Betty Amongi on Qfm -Lira City and her allies using a one ‘Obonyo’ a local blogger, repeatedly attacked Hon Dr Jane Aceng and Ugandans deserve politics based on facts, evidence and respect rather than personal insults.
Leaders should discourage abusive political discourse instead of allowing supporters or media to become vehicles for hostility and division. “Stop it or we descend on you,” Awidi Gloria was quoted as firing warning shots at Amongi. But why was Obonyo unleashed to undermine leader Jane Ruth Aceng? The majority of Lira City residents decided and their choice is Dr Jane, a fact another area resident Daniel Oguta demands that Amongi respects. Oguta says that Amongi Betty should stand warned along with her who include two Members of Parliament.
It is also worth remembering that the political history in Lango is well known. Akena Jimmy and his wife Amongi Betty supported Jalemeso against Hon Hamson Obua, a fact which is well known by everyone in the sub region.
“Who is Amongi to blame innocent Hon. Aceng Jane if it is not guilt and shame on her face? It’s her and her husband who betrayed Denis Hamson Obua. Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng should not be drawn into disputes that are unrelated to her or portrayed as responsible for political disagreements in which she played no part,” ranted another Lira city resident called Oryem.
The same angry resident also reflected on how Amongi allied with Otuke MP Omara Paul to undermine the Aceng who was targeted at several meetings that were held at Amongi’s Senior quarters residence during campaigns. “Being the adult in the room always, Aceng ignored them and went about her political mobilization work,” said Apio Nighty another Lira city dweller.
“Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng remains the elected woman Member of Parliament for Lira City and the Government Chief Whip of Uganda. These are public responsibilities that deserve respect, even from political opponents. In fact, Amongi Ongom should have manners or else she will face our wrath,” furiously roared Mzee Odora Sam of Ngetta. “Elections are won and lost, and democracy requires former leaders such Amongi Betty to accept outcomes with maturity, dignity and a commitment to serving the people.” Some have demanded to know why Amongi didn’t go to court if she had contrary information.
Similarly, if Hon. Jimmy Akena has political disagreements with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and expresses those views publicly at Uganda House in his several press conferences, those disagreements should remain between the parties involved without involving Hon Dr Jane Aceng. This is a view many residents expressed.
They want Amongi Betty Akena to be guided by the Bible in Galatians 6:7 where it says: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This verse calls humans to act with integrity, truthfulness and accountability. “Public office should be exercised with humility, respect for others and a commitment to unity rather than division, corruption and monopoly,” says another resident.
Adding that “Uganda deserves leaders who focus on service delivery, development and national unity instead of personal attacks and family monopoly of privilege.”
This is how opinion leader Richard Okello Obong of Kakoge Ward, Lira City West Division concluded: “On behalf of the people of Lira City, we are warning Hon Amongi Betty to stop her careless statements and orchestrated media attacks on Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero or else we will take her head on. She must respect our choice and plan to try her luck again in 2031 with her allies and they feel the double embarrassment once again.”
