Patricia Aceng, an independent candidate who was vying for Lira Woman Member of Parliament has pulled out of the parliamentary race leaving two ministers to tangle.
Aceng was competing against Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the NRM candidate and Gender Minister Betty Amongi Akena the Upc Candidate.
In a letter addressed to the Electoral Commission chairperson, Aceng said her decision was out of her desire to uphold the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s unity, harmony, and collective progress.
“After extensive reflection and consultation with leadership and stakeholders from my political party, I have chosen to step aside,” she stated. She added that the decision was guided by a commitment to safeguard party values, avoid divisions among supporters, and present a united front in the upcoming elections.
James Ipeto, the Lira City Returning Officer, confirmed receipt of Aceng’s withdrawal letter, noting that her request has been approved. Addressing circulating claims on social media that she was “bought out” of the race by her NRM opponent, Patricia Aceng dismissed the allegations as false.
“ My decision was made out of loyalty, discipline, and respect for the party’s direction,” she said.
“I am now waiting to discuss with our party chairman, knowing that stepping aside was not easy. I sacrificed my only lamp for the unity and future of our party.”Aceng further added,
In July 2020, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng declared her intentions to contest for the position of Women Representative for Lira District, in the 11th Parliament (2021 – 2026) and passed through to date .
Betty Amongi was first elected to parliament in 2001 as the woman member of parliament for Apac district and was re-elected in 2006 before being elected as the woman member for parliament for Oyam South in 2011 and 2016
