Lira, Uganda – Patricia Aceng Ogwang, a prominent aspirant for the Lira City Woman Member of Parliament seat, has officially picked her nomination form to contest in the 2026 general elections, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.

The announcement comes amid a heated rivalry between two cabinet ministers, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and Gender, Labour, and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi Akena, both vying for the same seat.

Aceng Ogwang while addressing the Press on Thursday evening August 21, 2025 at Grand Pacific Hotel in Lira City warns that this feud risks dividing Lango and Lira City, is distracting residents from pressing issues affecting their daily lives.

Aceng Ogwang emphasized her candidacy as a unifying force. “My journey to Parliament is about bringing a unifying path to the voters of Lira City and fostering peace for all,” she declared. She expressed concern over the ongoing political tensions, noting that the division between the two ministers could hinder progress in the region. “Lango and Lira City at large risk being divided and distracted from the real issues affecting daily life. I am here to bridge that gap,” she added.

Aceng Ogwang, who previously ran under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) but announced her intention to contest as an independent candidate after disputes within the party, outlined her vision for Lira City. Her campaign focuses on improving service delivery, particularly in the health sector, where she aims to leverage her experience as a former journalist and community advocate. She also promised to lobby for greater opportunities in education, infrastructure, and economic development to uplift the city’s residents.

“I am committed to delivering tangible development,” Aceng Ogwang said. “My focus will be on enhancing healthcare access, ensuring safer deliveries for mothers, and advocating for projects that create jobs and empower our youth.” Her recent initiatives, such as distributing Mama Kits to expectant mothers in Ipito Aweno and Barogole wards, have already earned her praise from community members for addressing critical needs. Beneficiaries like Akello Betty and Apio Vicky have lauded her efforts, noting that such support eases the burden on pregnant women and contributes to safer childbirths.

Addressing rumors and misinformation, Aceng Ogwang firmly rejected claims that she is being used as a political pawn in the rivalry between the two ministers. “I am a woman of peace and love, and I will not tolerate falsehoods spread about me on social media or elsewhere,” she stated. She warned that those found spreading misinformation would face legal consequences, emphasizing her commitment to a campaign rooted in integrity and unity.

The race for the Lira City Woman MP seat has drawn national attention, with the ongoing feud between Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and Betty Amongi intensifying political divisions. President Yoweri Museveni has promised to intervene to resolve the conflict, urging unity within the NRM and the Lango sub-region. Meanwhile, Aceng Ogwang’s entry as an independent candidate introduces a fresh dynamic, positioning her as a potential alternative to the status quo.

As the 2026 elections approach, Aceng Ogwang’s message of peace, love, and development resonates with many in Lira City. Her pledge to prioritize service delivery and community unity could redefine the political landscape in this closely watched contest.

written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan