Lira City, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has intensified its mobilization efforts in Lira City, setting the stage for a fierce 2026 election campaign.
In a high-profile gathering attended by political heavyweights from both UPC and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), leaders drummed up support for Betty Amongi Akena’s bid for Lira City Woman MP (WMP) and announced ambitious plans for the party’s future, including Hon. Jimmy Akena’s presidential candidacy.
Lira City West MP Sodrick Obong Eyit ignited the gathering with a powerful proclamation that 2026 is UPC’s time to reclaim State House.
He lauded the family of the late former President Milton Obote for sustaining UPC’s legacy and declared that the party would engage in door-to-door mobilization to ensure its candidate emerges victorious in the presidential race.
Despite the usual political rivalry between NRM and UPC, several prominent NRM figures threw their weight behind Betty Amongi Akena, emphasizing her track record of service and development.
Willy Omodo Omodo, the Speaker of Lango Cultural Institution, called on Lango voters to prioritize leaders who understand the region’s agenda, citing Amongi as the best choice for Lira City.
“Regardless of political affiliation, let us vote for Betty Amongi. She promotes peace in Lango and has worked tirelessly for our people,” he urged.
David Kennedy Odongo, LC V Chairperson of Alebtong District and Chairperson of all LC V Chairpersons in Lango, echoed similar sentiments, urging massive voter support for Amongi in 2026.
Senior Presidential Advisor Francis Okello Opio Danomabor assured the public that NRM was fully behind Amongi’s bid. He dismissed fears of election-related violence, calling them baseless rumors.
“Betty Amongi’s victory must be guarded jealously. Let us all be her campaign ambassadors,” he said.
Geoffrey Etwop, NRM Treasurer for Lira City and Awitong of Ober, also joined the endorsement, emphasizing unity behind Amongi’s leadership.
In a passionate speech, Betty Amongi Akena outlined her agenda for development and poverty eradication in Lira City.
Among her key announcements was her official transfer of polling stations from Oyam to Lira City, signaling her full commitment to the constituency.
“I urge everyone aged 18 and above to register with the Electoral Commission and check their names on the voters’ register. Your participation is key in shaping Lira City’s future,” she emphasized.
Amongi unveiled several initiatives aimed at uplifting the people of Lira City:
1. Agricultural Support: Farmers in Lira City will soon benefit from her project to distribute hoes to boost agricultural productivity.
2. Women’s Empowerment: She pledged to introduce a low-interest loan scheme for women to support business startups. She urged women to ignore politicians discouraging them from taking advantage of this initiative.
3. Youth Empowerment: She has purchased sewing machines for dropout girls, car washing machines for youth, and will sponsor young people to train in mechanical engineering. Additionally, she promised to revive the boda boda motorcycle loan program previously introduced by her husband, Hon. Jimmy Akena.
Amongi took pride in her role in elevating Lira to city status during her tenure as Minister for Lands and Urban Development.
“Lira was one of the highest revenue contributors to URA in the North. There was no way it could be left out when new cities were being created,” she said.
She also highlighted her efforts in bringing the USMID infrastructure project to Lira, which has transformed the city’s roads and urban planning.
The event took a historic turn when Hon. Jimmy Akena, UPC Party President, declared his intention to contest for President of Uganda in 2026.
“I will no longer campaign for MP Lira City East. I have officially declared my bid for the presidency of Uganda,” Akena announced, drawing thunderous applause.
He called on all UPC supporters in Lira and across Uganda to register in the UPC voter database and participate in the party primaries.
“I am ready to fight until I get to State House. We will mobilize massively to ensure UPC’s victory,” he declared.
Akena took a swipe at certain NRM leaders who recently visited Lira City, accusing them of misleading residents about UPC’s role in local development.
He specifically dismissed claims that some politicians were solely responsible for bringing Akii Bua Stadium to Lira, stating that it was a collective effort by Northern MPs.
“It is misleading to claim that a few individuals brought Akii Bua Stadium to Lira. This was a project fought for by many MPs from the Greater North. The Chinese government provided grant funding, and I personally lobbied President Museveni to ensure Lira was considered,” Akena explained.
He also criticized Gen. Kahinda Otafiire for commenting on Lira’s political affairs at the recent Lira Boda Boda Festival, saying the general was out of touch with the reality on the ground.
“Some leaders come here and speak on matters they don’t understand. But the people of Lira know the truth,” Akena said.
The event attracted several key leaders from across the Lango Sub-Region, reinforcing UPC’s growing support base. Attendees included:
• Odongo Asante (LC V Chairperson, Apac District)
• Geoffrey Ocen Kiring (LC V Chairperson, Amolatar District)
• Patrick Ongom Eyul (Mayor, Apac Municipality)
• George Okello Ayo (Mayor, Lira City East Division)
• Maxwell Akora (UPC Leader, Kaberamaido District)
• UPC Chairpersons from across Lango Sub-Region
Amongi reaffirmed her credentials as a leader with both local and international recognition, highlighting invitations she received to lecture at Harvard Kennedy School of Management and the Australia Institute of Studies.
“My academic background allows me to lead anywhere – in a village, town, city, or internationally. I am committed to using my knowledge to uplift Lira City,” she stated.
Amongi holds multiple academic qualifications, including:
• Degree in Political Science – Makerere University
• Bachelor of Laws – USA
• Degree in Strategic Security Management – Norway
• Master’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies
With UPC now fully engaged in grassroots mobilization and its leader Jimmy Akena shifting focus to a national presidential bid, the political dynamics in Lira City are set for a major shift.
Betty Amongi’s campaign has gained unexpected NRM support, and her development initiatives position her as a strong contender.
As 2026 approaches, Lira City is shaping up to be a battleground where political alliances will be tested, and voters will determine the future of leadership in the region.
