Aceng takes helm as Lira NRM chairperson, vows to revive party base

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The health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, officially assumed office as the Lira city National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson, pledging to strengthen the party and unite its members as part of a broader strategy to revitalise the NRM in what was once a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) stronghold.

Dr Aceng, who also serves as the Lira city woman Member of Parliament, received the instruments of power after taking the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Lira city and district NRM offices in Senior Quarters, Lira city.

Her inauguration follows an uncontested election, where she emerged unopposed for the position. The oath was administered by commissioner of oaths Dr Adams Makmot Kibwanga of Makmot Kibwanga & Co. Advocates, who also swore in other executive members and leaders from the city’s two divisions, East and West.

Dr Kibwanga cautioned the new leaders to serve diligently, with due regard for the NRM party constitution and Uganda’s national laws, and urged them to refrain from actions that could contravene either.

Leaders taking oath. (Photo by Joseph Ekol)

Among those who took the oath were business magnate Johnson Ocol and Morris Christ Ongom, who is also president of the Lira City Chamber of Commerce. They were elected as vice chairperson of the mainstream leadership and general secretary, respectively.

Prominent agro-input dealers Alex Ogwal and Tonny Olipa also took oath as NRM chairpersons for Lira East Division and West Division, respectively.

In her maiden address as chairperson, Dr Aceng, who becomes the pioneer NRM chairperson for Lira city, outlined reconciliation as her first priority, aiming to bring unity within the party ranks to attract wider support.

“There are people who did not see the value of NRM and they opted to walk away,” she said. “My bigger task is to ensure they are brought back and made to appreciate the NRM government's achievements.”

She further urged leaders at all levels, from grassroots to district, to uphold the party’s values, remain committed and united, and mobilise for the NRM even in the absence of senior party figures.

Bishop Joseph Omara of the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches of Uganda in Lango dedicated the new leaders, encouraging them to seek wisdom from God to ensure success during their tenure.

Lira city resident city commissioner, Lawrence Egole, reminded the leaders that they represent President Museveni wherever they go and should lead by example.

He extended special appreciation to members of the business community for stepping into active politics and accepting leadership responsibilities within the ruling party.