Minister Amongi launches bid for Lira City woman MP seat
Minister Amongi addressing a her campaign rally at Kakoge in Lira City on Monday 17th
By Patrick Okino
Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi has officially launched her campaign for Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, setting the stage for a highly competitive race against the incumbent, Dr Jane Aceng Ocero, the Minister of Health.
Amongi kicked off her vote-hunting efforts at Kakoge C Cell in Lira City West Division, where hundreds of supporters braved the scorching sun to listen to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag-bearer.
Three candidates are contesting for the seat, DrAceng of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Amongiof UPC and Patricia Aceng Adwek, a journalist with Voice of Lango radio, contesting as an independent.
Amongi said her contribution to Lira’s development dates back to her tenure as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, when Lira was still a municipality.
She noted that under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development(USMID) program—then under her docket—several roads were upgraded, and the construction of the Lira Regional Zonal Land Office was sanctioned.
She added that her main focus, if elected, will be wealth creation and boostinghousehold income, noting that a city requires substantial economic empowerment for its residents to thrive.
Amongi outlined her key priorities, including establishing vocational schools for school dropouts, fighting household poverty, providing soft and affordable credit with low interest, lobbying government to upgrade city roads, and improving garbage collection to keep Lira clean and attractive.
“I have already started a vocational school in Ongica that has trained over 200 vulnerable girls and provided them with sewing machines. I have rehabilitated several roads and supported churches, among other initiatives. I want to pledge that I will do even more if given the opportunity in the next election,” she said.
Issues affecting community
Mike Ogwal, a councilor, said the area is struggling with three major issues that need urgent attention. He identified these issues as poor roads, insecurity caused by jobless youths, and the lack of electricity in some areas.
“I feel that some of these issues must be taken into consideration and addressed immediately,” he said.
Delkano Oboke, a resident, said there is a bridge within the area that links it to Kole, and it needs to be repaired.
Reagan Ongom, the LC1 of Kakoge C Cell, said the major concern is insecurity caused by street children who steal people’s property in broad daylight without being arrested.
He said that to reduce the problem, the police should start conducting daily patrols and ensure that the culprits are arrested and prosecuted without fear or favor.
