By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Mutesi Phionah Uwase,
LIRA
The minister of internal affairs, Maj. Gen. Saverio Kahinda Otafiire has asked the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) to pay a high degree of respect to a Memorandum of Understanding – MoU, they signed with the ruling NRM.
In 2016, the government signed an agreement with UPC faction led by party president Hon. James Jimmy Akena Obote to partner and work with the NRM. As the result of the MoU, two party members Oyam South MP Hon. Betty Amongi and Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng were appointed ministers, and the UPC party did not also field a presidential candidate in the 2016 election, instead they endorsed the incumbent, President Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This was repeated in 2021, with Akena attributing the decision to internal party dynamics and a focus on strengthening party structures.
“My sister, Go back and explain to your constituents what you have done for them. Leave your failure in Oyam South and don’t come to disorganize Lira City,” Minister Otafiire criticized Amongi’s plot to run for Lira City Woman MP.
However, Gen. Otafiire stated that the UPC has violated the terms of the MoU and urged the party leadership to honor the agreement.
He was speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the achievements of health minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero at Lira Town College playgrounds on Saturday where he was a Chief Guest.
In his speech, Gen. Otafiire was bitter at UPC’s Betty Amongi, the Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development who is speculated to challenge Dr. Ruth Aceng as Lira City Woman MP in the 2026 election.
“My sister, Go back and explain to your constituents what you have done for them. Leave your failure in Oyam South and don’t come to disorganize Lira City,” Minister Otafiire criticized Amongi’s plot to run for Lira City Woman MP.
According to Otafiire, Aceng has delivered impressive results and urged locals to support her in the upcoming election.
“Dr. Aceng’s record speaks for itself. Her contributions to healthcare and development are unmatched. Let us not be swayed by money or empty promises from opposition candidates,” said Otafiire.
