LIRA CITY, Uganda – The campaign trail of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City, has been met with a surge of massive support from residents who point to her tangible development record as the reason she should continue steering the constituency.
During recent rallies in Ireda East, Adekokwok sub-county, Angwetangwet, and Ngetta, Dr. Aceng received a rousing welcome from a cross-section of the electorate. In a significant show of confidence, supporters from both the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) have thrown their weight behind her, citing her performance as a “true leader.”
The groundswell of support has also drawn notable warnings from residents of Oyam South, the former constituency of her main rival, Minister Betty Amongi Akena. Several individuals who traveled from Oyam South urged Lira City voters not to be swayed by Amongi, who has shifted to contest in Lira City.
“They should not allow themselves to be deceived by Betty Amongi like she did to us in Oyam South,” said one resident, who claimed Amongi left them in a “dilemma without any tangible development.” Another resident, Mr. Okori, alleged that the incumbent Oyam South MP made unfulfilled financial pledges to constituents after the 2021 elections.
The criticism of Amongi extended even to members of her own UPC party. Jimmy Awany, a UPC supporter and an aspirant for City East MP, stated he could not support the party’s flag bearer against Dr. Aceng.
“Aceng is better than Amongi and has fast-tracked development in Lango compared to Amongi,” Awany declared.
Another UPC supporter, Lobo Alango, echoed this sentiment, describing Amongi as a “self-seeker” and urging her to “step aside and leave Aceng to steer development in the regions.”
Addressing the jubilant crowds, Dr. Aceng assured residents of Lira City that she would build upon her current development record. She pledged to continue lobbying for more projects and initiatives for the city.
She also advised supporters to take full advantage of existing government poverty alleviation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyoga, encouraging them to use the funds wisely to elevate themselves from poverty. Dr. Aceng further promoted the adoption of the four-acre model farming practice and concluded by asking the people to vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to ensure the continuity of national development.
