By Aggrey Baba
A rolling stone gathers no moss, but for Uganda’s Gender Minister, Betty Amongi, her move from Oyam South to Lira City is not about seeking comfort, but securing a legacy, embracing her roots, and serving her people.
With political winds shifting, Amongi has set her sights on the Lira City Woman MP seat, a position currently held by Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, both NRM.
In a recent exclusive interview with New Vision, Amongi opened up about her reasons for relocating, the responsibilities that weigh on her shoulders, and the inevitable political battle ahead.
Having served as MP for Oyam South since 2011 and Apac Woman MP before that, Amongi believes it is time to return home, both politically and culturally. “In our African setting, a woman must raise her children with an understanding of their heritage. My children need to know where they belong,” she explained.
Married to Hon. Jimmy Akena, son of Dr. Milton Obote, Uganda’s former president, she feels an obligation to uphold the Obote legacy in Lira. “People still look at our family as custodians of a history that cannot be erased. As Maama Miria Kalule Obote ages, that responsibility now rests on me.”
Amongi dismisses claims that she is out to challenge Aceng personally. “Politics is not about ownership and even the presidency is contested every five years. It is the people who decide,” she stated. “If the incumbent has served well, the people will re-elect her. If they want a change, they will vote for me.”
However, the contest has not been without oposition. Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs, recently advised Amongi to stay out of Lira politics, a comment she brushed off. “Everyone is free to express their opinion, but at the end of the day, it is the voters who have the final say.”
Being married to a fellow politician and UPC president, Jimmy Akena, means Amongi is no stranger to political strategy. She acknowledges that their political ideologies sometimes clash, but they maintain a mutual understanding. “Parliament is not our home. If there’s a heated debate, we joke about it later. I tell him, Today, I might fire you, and he replies, I’m putting you on notice, she laughed.
Despite the intense political life, their marriage remains strong. “Trust and respect are key. We don’t question each other’s movements because we both understand the nature of our work.”
Amongi’s journey to leadership is a story of resilience. Born into a humble family of primary school teachers, she recalls struggling through school with limited resources. “Pocket money was a luxury. My father would take me to school on a bicycle because we couldn’t afford other means.”
However, her determination paid off. A government sponsorship to Makerere University changed her life, setting her on a path to leadership. “I was meant to be a nun, but life had other plans,” she smiled.
With elections approaching, Lira City is bracing for a tough political contest. Dr. Aceng, a first-term MP, has made her mark, and Amongi, a seasoned politician, is stepping into the race with her own set of strengths. But as the old saying goes, [The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but time and chance happen to them all].
In the end, the people of Lira will decide. Will they stick with the incumbent, or will they embrace Amongi’s vision and legacy? Time will tell. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
