Minister Amongi, two others nominated to contest in Lira city

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Gender, labour and social development minister Betty Amongi has been officially nominated to contest as the Woman Member of Parliament for Lira city. 

She was nominated alongside James Ocen, also known as Agipi, contesting for the City East seat, and Soderick Obong Eyit, for the Lira City West seat.

All three candidates are contesting under the banner of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC).

Speaking to journalists after her nomination, minister Amongi pledged to focus on economic empowerment for all segments of society in Lira city.

James Ocen was nominated today.

"My agenda is to empower youth, women, and all categories of people," she said.

"This is an industrial city, and there is a need to vote for a person who is focused and ready to uplift our people."

Minister Amongi emphasised that Lira city is still in its early stages of development and called on residents to unite in the fight against poverty through economic empowerment.

She revealed that the government has pledged to establish an industrial park in the city, highlighting the need to elect leaders who will actively follow up on such commitments.

Amongi also pledged to support the Lira business community by offering affordable loans at a low interest rate of 10% per annum.

Additionally, she announced empowerment programmes targeting youth, focused on skills development, provision of equipment, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Soderick Obong Eyit was nominated today.

Amongi expressed deep gratitude to the people of Lira city for their unwavering support throughout her political journey since declaring her interest to contest in the city.

“We faced many hurdles, and more are yet to come, but the overwhelming support from the people has brought me this far,” she said.

Amongi described them as “the winning team” and reaffirmed their shared agenda, which focuses on economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and the promotion of agriculture, particularly in the outskirts of Lira city.

Amongi is contesting with health minister Dr Jane Aceng Ocero of the National Resistance Movement and Patricia Aceng Adwek, a journalist with Voice of Lango.

Other candidates nominated on the first day include Jimmy Awany Cingmalu and Okello Denis Odongo, both independent candidates.