Lira, Uganda — Minister of Labour, Gender and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, who is also vying for the Lira City Woman MP seat in the upcoming 2026 elections, on Friday April 4, 2025, stormed Ongura Ward in City East Division with a bold empowerment package targeting farmers, women, youth, and the underprivileged.
Addressing a large crowd, Amongi said her visit aimed at building a strong and lasting relationship with the people of Lira City, where she is married to UPC President Jimmy Akena Obote.
Amongi emphasized that leadership must reflect practical solutions, not just promises. She distributed 5,000 hoes to women farmers, calling it a symbol of economic empowerment.
“Today’s hoe distribution is for women. I will return with seeds for the men. I am also bringing a tractor that will help solve cultivation challenges. Farmers will only contribute fuel,” she said.
Amongi announced a free vocational skilling program for young single mothers and school dropout girls and boys.
She said registration will begin immediately, with the best-performing trainees to be awarded tools such as sewing machines, baking ovens, salon equipment, and welding or mechanical kits.
Amongi pledged to supply mama kits to all pregnant women in Lira City by May 2025 and promised to facilitate UGX 200,000 for surgical operations for expectant mothers needing C-sections.
She condemned what she termed “unlawful arrests” in the community where victims are forced to pay bribes to gain release.
“I will hire a lawyer who will handle community cases and represent those without money in court,” she declared.
Amongi promised to extend water and electricity to unconnected areas and dismissed attempts by some individuals to stop her from addressing community needs.
“No letter written to block me from rehabilitating roads will succeed. I will do what the people ask for,” she said firmly.
The event drew praise from local leaders and residents across party lines.
Lydia Akello, Councillor for Junior Quarters and Kirombe Ward, and an NRM supporter, openly declared her shift to support Amongi: “This election is not about party. Amongi gave us hoes—not fish—but hooks to farm and sustain our homes. That is leadership. I want her to win with 98% of the vote.”
Akello dismissed claims that Lira City residents have abandoned farming and advised the locals to tell the critics those hoes are the future of their families.
Tonny Okello, LC II Chairperson for Ongura Ward, stated that a hoe means everything to them, and it’s like being given school fees, a house, and food.
Mzee Obong Paul, a veteran UPC supporter since 1962, pledged to mobilize the grassroot supporters.
Mzee Salva Odyang offered prayers for Amongi’s victory and continued development in Lango.
Anam Richard hailed the hoe as a life-changer that will help him pay school fees and meet family needs.
Elderly women Imat Kilimentina Apio and Imat Bency Akello promised full support for Amongi’s 2026 bid.
Sam O, an NRM supporter, boldly declared that Amongi will get more votes from NRM than UPC.
“The NRM MP we supported last time never returned to the grassroots. Amongi’s support is like Katogo—mixed from every corner,” he said.
From mama-kits to tractors, hoes to legal aid, skills to startup capital, Amongi is drawing the blueprint for a new kind of politics—development-first leadership.