KAMPALA – Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero has dismissed as “baseless accusations” recent claims that she deliberately sidelined Members of Parliament from the Lango sub-region during the appointment of key parliamentary committee leadership positions.
In an exclusive interview with Ankole Times, Dr. Aceng responded to an article published by an online newspaper which alleged that her “weakness and self-esteem issues” led to Lango MPs missing out on influential committee posts, citing Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Awuma and Otuke County MP Paul Omara as casualties.
The article further drew comparisons to the tenure of her predecessor, Denis Hamson Obua, during which several Lango MPs reportedly secured high-profile positions, including the Agriculture Committee chairpersonship and seats on the Parliamentary Commission.
However, Dr. Aceng vehemently refuted the allegations, characterizing them as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts aimed at sowing division within the ruling party.
“The article actually misrepresents the facts of the matter,” Dr. Aceng stated firmly. “Lango is subdivided into over 18 constituencies and continues to be represented across all structures of Parliament and Government.”
Addressing the specific claims concerning MPs Awuma and Omara, the Government Chief Whip emphasized that appointments were made strictly on the basis of merit and established parliamentary procedures, not regional favoritism or political vendettas.
“Whereas we appreciate the experience and expertise of the two colleagues mentioned in the article, it is important to state that all members assigned to committees and the Parliamentary Commission possess the requisite experience and merit to serve. None was designated without qualification,” she asserted.
This response directly counters allegations that Dr. Aceng removed the names of MPs Awuma and Omara from the shortlist submitted to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) for allegedly supporting her political opponent, Betty Amongi Ongom, during the 2026 general elections.
Dr. Aceng clarified the nature of committee appointments, noting that they are governed by clear rules and procedures.
“Every Member of Parliament is allocated to a committee as a member. That is an important platform for any member to contribute to nation-building and development,” she explained.
The Government Chief Whip also addressed the procedural aspects of leadership rotation within parliamentary committees.
“Leadership on some committees rotates every two years and others every year, in line with established procedure,” she said, adding that all MPs have equal rights to express interest in leadership positions, but each vacancy can only be occupied by one individual at a time.
Her response comes amid growing political tensions in the Lango sub-region, where the NRM and UPC shared the spoils in the 2026 general elections. The political landscape has been further complicated by the defeat of several incumbent MPs, including former Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, who lost his Ajuri County seat to UPC’s Fred Jalameso.
In a strong admonition to critics and colleagues alike, Dr. Aceng urged legislators to refrain from divisive narratives that could undermine the party’s unity and collective goals.
“All colleagues should desist from divisive narratives and instead focus on service delivery for the people of Uganda,” she declared.
The Government Chief Whip further encouraged the public to treat the allegations with the “utmost contempt they deserve,” noting that the accusations are not only baseless but also detract from the critical task of serving Ugandans.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of recent electoral dynamics in Lango, where Dr. Aceng herself defeated UPC’s Betty Amongi Ongom in the Lira City Woman MP race, securing 38,000 votes against Amongi’s 26,199. The political rivalry appears to have spilled over into parliamentary appointments, with critics alleging that Dr. Aceng is settling scores.
However, sources close to the Government Chief Whip maintain that the appointments followed due process, with the CEC approving the final list of committee leadership. The technical committee of Parliament had reportedly recommended Paul Omara for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the Budget Committee, but the final decision rested with the party’s top leadership.
As the 12th Parliament begins its term, Dr. Aceng’s response signals her determination to focus on government business rather than engage in what she terms “divisive narratives.”
“I like a team that is prayerful, with a high level of integrity, honesty, and hard work. I look forward to a great term ahead,” she had earlier stated upon assuming office.
For now, the Government Chief Whip remains firm that the interests of the Lango sub-region are adequately represented and that the allegations of marginalization are nothing but a distraction from the collective goal of service delivery to the people of Uganda.
