LIRA CITY — Leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Lira City have strongly rejected allegations by Gender Minister Betty Amongi Akena that her political rival, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, is plotting to rig the upcoming parliamentary elections.
At a press conference held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Lira Hotel, NRM officials dismissed a petition submitted by Amongi to the Electoral Commission (EC) as “baseless,” “empty,” and “total rubbish.” The petition, dated November 15, 2025, accused Aceng of conspiring to manipulate voter registers and create new polling stations to gain an unfair advantage in the race for Lira City Woman Member of Parliament.
In a formal response to the EC dated December 3, 2025, the NRM Lira City leadership warned that such claims could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if left unchecked. They emphasized the Commission’s constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections.
George Okot, Chairperson of NRM Cadres in Lira City, told reporters that the NRM cadres could not remain silent in the face of what he called “unfounded allegations.” He praised Aceng as a loyal and respected leader with a strong national profile, highlighting her recent involvement in securing a major international agreement for Uganda.
“Just three days ago, Dr. Aceng, alongside Finance Minister Matta Kasajja, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. government, securing about 8.1 trillion shillings for Uganda’s budget over five years,” Okot stated. “She has done a lot for Uganda through the Ministry of Health, improving the lives of our people.”
Senior NRM cadre and retired prison commander Ongom Olet Bobi Sam addressed Amongi’s specific accusations point by point. He firmly denied claims that Aceng intended to use the Directorate of Internal Security to alter voter lists or influence the appointment of presiding officers.
“She further alleged that Aceng wants to use security apparatus to intimidate, harass, and beat up voters. This I believe is total rubbish,” Olet said.
David Sabiti, a veteran NRM mobilizer, argued that Amongi’s petition violated the principles of peace and democracy. “How can you say the Electoral Commission will be put under gunpoint to declare elections? It goes against the foundational pillars of NRM, which stand on democracy,” Sabiti remarked.
Other NRM speakers, including Okello Emmanuel and Vincent Ogweng, echoed these sentiments, describing the allegations as irresponsible and politically motivated. Ogweng noted that the voter register was updated in April 2025 and revealed that Amongi had recently transferred her own voting location from Oyam South to Lira City.
In response, UPC spokesperson Fred Minyang confirmed that the party had indeed written to the EC and stood by its claims, describing election integrity as a serious concern.
The general election for MPs and President is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
