Police urge calm as Aceng, Amongi face off in Lira

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LIRA - Police have urged aspiring parliamentary candidates and their supporters in Lira city to observe Electoral Commission (EC) guidelines during the two-day nomination exercise set for Wednesday and Thursday, amid rising political excitement ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the region’s fiercest contests.

North Kyoga regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema says security agencies are on high alert and have issued clear instructions to prevent disruptions during the nominations.

“We call upon all aspiring candidates and their supporters to respect and follow guidance from the Electoral Commission,” Okema says.

“Our interest is to ensure peace, order, and smooth conduct of the exercise.”

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and Betty Amongi Ongom in a photo taken on July 21, 2023. (File)

The Lira City Woman Parliamentary race will be the constituency to watch as two political heavyweights: incumbent MP on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, also health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and gender minister Betty Amongi Ongom, face off in a battle of political influence and popularity.

Outgoing Oyam South MP Amongi, the wife of embattled former Uganda People's Congress (UPC) party president Jimmy Akena has crossed to contest in Lira City, leaving her former seat to her brother Geoffrey Owili.

Supporters take to social media

The race has already spilt onto social media, with supporters of both camps flooding online platforms with messages of endorsement and mobilisation.

Amongi is expected to be nominated on Wednesday alongside other UPC flag bearers: James Ocen (City East) and Vincent Shedrick Obong Eyit (City West).

According to the party’s arrangement, their supporters will receive Jimmy Akena about five kilometres from the city centre at Amuca on Lira Kamdini Highway and march in a procession to the EC offices. After her nomination, Amongi plans to host supporters at the former Akii-Bua Stadium.

Dr Aceng will follow on Thursday, being nominated together with NRM flag bearers Denis Omodi Alyela (City East) and Eddy Morris Ogweng (City West).

Her campaign team, which fondly refers to her as “Mama City,” said she will host a rally for her supporters at the Tipper Stage, jointly with the other two NRM aspirants.

Security warns against processions

Security leaders in Lira city have warned that while candidates are free to celebrate their nominations, no processions disrupting normal business will be permitted.

“We shall not allow any activities that block roads, disturb traders, or interfere with city operations,” a senior security official said.

The nomination exercise marks the official start of the campaign period, and tension is expected to rise as both sides mobilise ahead of what analysts predict will be one of the most closely watched political duels in northern Uganda.