Lira City, Uganda – A historic event unfolded today January 18, 2025, at Lira Town College Playground as prominent leaders, delegates, and residents gathered to celebrate Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero’s achievements and endorse her as the Patron of Lira United Motorcycle Boda Boda Association (LUMBA).
The event was graced by General Kahinda Otafire, Minister of Internal Affairs, who served as the Chief Guest, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, Kyoga North MP James Olobo Dubai, Kwania MP Tonny Ayo, Lira City RCC Lawrence Egole, and several local leaders, including Babu Salim, LC1 of Lira Town College Cell, who welcomed the visitors to the venue.
Prominent speakers included Oyam District WMP Santa Alum Ogwang, Lira City East Division Mayor George Okello Ayo, and LUMBA Chairperson Moses Okori.
RCC Lawrence Egole applauded Dr. Aceng for her pivotal role in advancing healthcare in Lira.
Among her achievements highlighted were the UGX 5.3 billion state-of-the-art laboratory, an incinerator at Aler, and upgrades to Anyangatir and Ober Health Centers, among others.
Egole noted that these milestones resulted from the residents’ wise choice to elect Dr. Aceng, an NRM MP, in 2021.
Chairperson Moses Okori revealed LUMBA’s impressive track record of distributing over 8,000 motorcycles on loan since 2011.
He lauded Dr. Aceng for her support in transitioning their operations from Post Bank to Housing Finance Bank, ensuring financial stability for the association.
Okori announced future plans to provide UGX 200,000 grants for fuel (petrol) to each boda boda stage and requested a Face Technology office in Lira to ease access to riding permits.
Minister Kahinda Otafire delivered a spirited endorsement of Dr. Aceng, emphasizing her exemplary service to Lira City and Uganda at large.
“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,” he stated.
He welcomed 28 defectors from UPC to NRM, commending their decision to join a party focused on prosperity and unity.
Otafire also criticized opposition politicians, including Betty Amongi Akena (Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development), for neglecting her constituency.
He urged voters to support leaders like Dr. Aceng, who deliver tangible results, and called for continued collaboration among cultural, religious, and political leaders to promote development and iron out the differences between the two ministers.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang credited Dr. Aceng with securing significant investments for Akii-Bua Stadium, which is set to become a world-class sports facility in Uganda and East Africa at large.
He revealed plans for a 10-kilometer road construction around the stadium, construction of a modern training pitch at Lira University, among others further enhancing Lira’s infrastructure.
“Dr. Aceng has proven her dedication to Lango. She deserves our continued support,” Ogwang affirmed.
In her address, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero expressed gratitude to President Museveni, NRM leadership, and the people of Lira for their trust and support.
Reflecting on her journey from Director General of Health Services to Minister of Health, she highlighted her commitment to serving the community.
“I love the people of Lira, and I will continue to work tirelessly for you. My record speaks for itself, and I urge you to make wise decisions in 2026,” she said.
Dr. Aceng encouraged voters to reject opposition propaganda and support NRM’s vision for development and unity.
The event witnessed a significant political shift as 28 UPC members, led by Otto Opyene, defected to NRM, inspired by Dr. Aceng’s achievements.
“Being in opposition is like fighting your own father. We pledge our unwavering support to Dr. Aceng and the NRM,” Opyene declared.
The event at Lira Town College Playground reinforced Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero’s position as a transformative leader in Lira and Lango Subregion.
With endorsements from top government officials, unwavering community support, and a proven track record, Dr. Aceng’s re-election bid in 2026 appears poised for success.
