President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni disregarded an attempt by the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi Akena, to exclude Health Minister Dr. Jane Aceng Ocero from the Lango Cultural elders meeting at State House Entebbe.
According to a source at State House, Minister Amongi, who was responsible for scrutinizing the Lango delegates for the meeting with the President, had initially excluded Dr. Aceng from the list of attendees for the June 28, 2024 meeting.
The source revealed that when the final list of delegates, approved by Minister Amongi, was presented to President Museveni for final approval on Wednesday night, the President quickly noticed the omission of Dr. Aceng. This immediately raised his concern.
A senior protocol officer at State House reported that President Museveni questioned why Dr. Aceng was not included on the list and directed the protocol team to investigate the matter further.
At 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, the President tasked a senior Special Forces Command (SFC) protocol officer with finding out who was responsible for excluding Dr. Aceng. It was determined that Minister Amongi had sanctioned the final list that excluded Dr. Aceng.
Concerned by this exclusion, President Museveni personally telephoned Dr. Aceng and summoned her to attend the meeting with the Lango elders, disregarding Minister Amongi’s decision. As a loyal cadre, Dr. Aceng complied and arrived at State House on time for the meeting.
This incident marks another instance where President Museveni has been put in an awkward position due to Minister Amongi’s political maneuvering against Dr. Aceng. During his conversation with Dr. Aceng, the President reportedly advised her not to be intimidated by political threats, reassuring her that he was aware of the situation and would address it.
Minister Amongi’s political ambitions, including her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP seat in 2026, have led to increased tensions with Dr. Aceng. This rivalry has fueled ongoing conflicts between the two ministers.
