Health minister Aceng faces two opponents, launches re-election bid

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LIRA - A sea of supporters on November 19, 2025, turned Lira city's Adagayela cell in Boke parish into a festival ground as the health minister and Lira City Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero launched her 2026 General Election campaign to seek a second term in Parliament.

The crowds danced, sang and waved as a convoy of over 50 vehicles escorted the minister from her home in Ireda to the rally venue.

Long before Aceng arrived, her supporters kept the atmosphere electric, dancing to her praise songs booming from giant sound systems mounted on low-bed trucks. When she finally entered the grounds, accompanied by her husband, Dr Andrew Ocero, jubilant cheers erupted.

Some of the supporters and NRM leaders and campaign leaders who turned up at the rally. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

Aceng faces two challengers: Gender Minister Betty Amongi Ongom, currently the MP for Oyam South, and Patricia Aceng Ogwang, a radio presenter. The contest is already shaping into one of the most closely watched political battles in Lango. Amongi, who is the Uganda People's Congress flag-bearer, is the wife of party president Jimmy Akena.

Religious leaders warn against “leaders of darkness”

The event opened with fervent prayers from a team of senior religious leaders who urged voters to choose “leaders who honour God” and reject those associated with “witchcraft” and “evil spirits.”

Bishop Emeritus John Charles Odurkami prayed that God “break the evil spirits” and guide voters towards leaders who foster peace, wisdom and development.

Bishop Emeritus Tom Ibrahim Okello of Elim Ministries urged the public to choose leaders “whose campaigns glorify God,” declaring that anyone who “honours Satan first” should be denied votes.

A village group gifted Aceng a dove, symbolising peace and a broom, signifying a clean and victorious path.

Tension and political undertones

The rally was punctuated by warnings from organisers that unnamed individuals had allegedly been hired to throw rotten eggs at the crowd or rob supporters on their way home.

Patrick Rolex Akena, cousin of Amongi and the day’s Master of Ceremonies, told supporters to inform Amongi that “this race is impossible for her,” urging her to step down.

Business community throws its weight behind Aceng

Some of Lira city’s most prominent business figures publicly endorsed Aceng, vowing to accompany her throughout the campaign.

Hassan Obong of Good Motors (UPC) said he supports Aceng because “her work speaks for itself.”

Lavida Winaz managing director Bosco Ocen said the turnout alone “shows the election has been won.”

Morris Chris Ongom of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce argued that Aceng has delivered visible progress “in just four years,” contrasting it with “15 years of unfulfilled promises elsewhere.”

Several Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party leaders also affirmed they would vote for Dr Aceng, describing her as “a hero whose work cuts across party lines.”

Awany calls  for a change of mentality

Independent Lira City West MP candidate Jimmy Awany, known as Cingmalo, asked Lango voters to “change their mentality” and support leaders who bring development.

“Jane Ruth Aceng was fought by a group of Lango who stormed State House and demanded that she be removed from a ministerial post.”

He stated that Lango suffered politically after Jane Ruth Aceng was pushed out of the Cabinet and Col. (rtd) Charles Okello Engola was killed, leaving the region with fewer ministers.

He insisted that Lango must “not sacrifice Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who has done a lot for her people.”

RCC warns against lies and illicit campaign loans

Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Emmy Egole attended with his entire security team, cautioning candidates against “lying to the public for political gain.”

He challenged claims that certain infrastructure projects were brought by Minister Amongi, insisting their origins were earlier administrations.

Egole also warned voters against accepting loans from politicians who are bent on making profits:

“When the time to refund comes, some of you will be handcuffed.”

Dr Aceng fires back at opponents



In her address, Aceng thanked Boke residents for the overwhelming support in 2021 and expressed confidence that they would “even increase the margin this time.”

She said her opponents were spreading “malicious propaganda” that she blocked road grading and that 80% of NRM supporters had abandoned her.

“This is a big lie. All NRM supporters are behind me. Even UPC will vote for me,” she said.

Aceng criticised fellow city MPs for not helping her lobby for development projects, adding that President Museveni “will win again in 2026,” and that Lira stands to benefit from major projects such as Aler Industrial Park, Anai Airport, and a regional Cancer Institute.

She urged voters to be cautious of the ballot:

“There is another Aceng—Patricia—who is a duplicate. On the ballot, I will be number one, followed by the duplicate and then Betty Amongi.”

Defending her record

Dr Aceng highlighted key achievements, including providing Sh440m to 800 groups, drilling over 40 boreholes, and securing opportunities for disabled learners at Nancy’s School for the Deaf, including new infrastructure, salaries for staff and a borehole.

She said her mission is to “protect the gains” made through government partnerships, community initiatives, and philanthropy.

After the rally

Speaking to the press, Dr Aceng said she was seeking a second term to complete the projects she initiated, ensure Lango benefits fully from government programmes like the Parish Development Model, and promote peace in what she described as a campaign period marked by “insults, lies and attempts to cause confusion.”

She insisted she would continue campaigning with “humility, peace and love,” adding:

“I sleep peacefully like a baby while my opponent spends the night thinking about me. I occupy rent-free space in her mind.”

Dr Aceng concluded with a message of condolence to the family of the late Paramount Chief Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii, praising him as a peacemaker and unifier.