In an effort to prevent further conflict within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi has volunteered to act as a mediator between two leading ministers, Betty Amongi and Jane Ruth Aceng, who are allegedly in a fierce competition for the Lira City Woman parliamentary seat.
Baryomunsi, who also holds the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, expressed worry that the continuing conflict between these two prominent ministers could negatively impact the party’s reputation.
The ministers, each currently serving their own parliamentary constituencies, are now competing for a singular seat in Lira City Woman MP race, fostering divisions that might undermine their collective power.
In his remarks, Baryomunsi highlighted the necessity of unity within the party, noting that if the rivalry continues unchecked, it could lead to a substantial defeat for the NRM in the forthcoming election. He further pointed out that the party’s objectives would be better achieved if both ministers could reach a mutual understanding.
The rivalry between Aceng and Amongi has raised eyebrows among political analysts, as both ministers command significant support and hold critical roles within the government. The competition for the Lira City Woman MP seat has already gained considerable traction, and with Baryomunsi’s offer to mediate, it remains uncertain whether the ministers will be able to put aside their differences for the welfare of the party.
Baryomunsi’s proposal for mediation underscores the fragile power dynamics within the NRM, in addition to the difficulties the party confronts as it nears the next electoral period. It is unclear how the two ministers will react to the call for reconciliation.
The revelation that both high-ranking women are vying for the same position first surfaced earlier this year, surprising many in political circles. Currently, Betty Amongi serves as the MP for Oyam South, a role she has held since 20111. Previously, she was the woman MP for Apac District.
On the other hand, Jane Ruth Aceng who serves as the Minister of Health is the elected woman MP of Lira City.
The rivalry among the NRM leaders stems from unresolved issues between them, as they seek to oust one another from Parliament. In the meantime, Baryomunsi stated that if mediation efforts fail, the party will proceed to back the official candidate in the general elections.
Furthermore, the ICT Minister remarked that failing to mediate effectively would be a significant setback for the NRM, considering that both women have been loyal supporters of the ruling party.
Although the exact reasons for the tensions between the two ministers, who come from the Lango subregion, are unclear, they have managed to keep their disputes largely out of public view. This has raised some optimism that reconciliation might be possible.
This scenario is not a new occurrence for the NRM, having faced a similar situation in the last general elections.
In Rushenyi County, Ntungamo, the then State Minister for Labour, Hon Mwesigye Rukutana, contested against Naome Kabasharira, whom he controversially defeated in the party primaries.
In an election that erupted into violence, Kabasharira ran as an independent in the general elections and triumphed over Rukutana, who had been a Member of Parliament since 1994.
Therefore, it remains to be seen what unfolds in the conflict between Amongi and Aceng and whether Baryomunsi’s suggested mediation talks will lead to any resolution.
