By: Nellie Otto
The political climate in the city of Rila has changed dramatically, meaning that a topic that would not normally be an issue now is everyone offering “professional” advice and guidance on the likely outcome of a political conflict between two political friends – change became an enemy.
While Minister Betty Belowi (Gender, Labor and Social Development) and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng (Ministry of Health) both know exactly what they want and are determined to pursue the letter , but supporters are running around with endless conspiracy theories.
So far, it’s not known what sparked the current political battle between the two powerful female politicians from Lango, who are supposed to refer to each other as “comrade” or “sister”.
Aside from a snapshot posted a few weeks ago on the “Lango Onotte WhatsApp Group” in which Annini referred to an internal cabinet meeting, Assen reportedly assured President Yoweri Museveni that the unified coalition would soon will be thrown into the political dustbin.
Anini cast the innuendo as a direct attack aimed at sweeping her and her husband, Jimmy Akenna (Lira East MP/UPC President), from Rango’s political position, according to the snap, which was quickly deleted.
Arsen has not commented on the claims, at least not in any public forum, but her actions and gestures reveal the character of an equally determined and focused human being who knows what she is doing and the corresponding challenges that lie ahead.
Just as the Chinese military strategist, military strategist, philosopher, and writer Sun Tzu said in a poem in his “Sun Tzu’s Art of War”: “Know yourself and the enemy, and you will never be imperiled in a hundred battles. Defeat…”
Both politicians are no strangers to the oft-quoted military axiom above, which is of great relevance to any leader, but even more so to a politician who is always surrounded by opponents.
The two have a lot in common as neither has ever lost an election. Amonji burst onto the political scene as a Pan-African youth leader before breaking into the mainstream as an Asia-Pacific congresswoman.
From there, she crossed over to her constituency to become the councilwoman for Oyon, defeating the once powerful retired secondary school principal Beatrice Lagada.
Without wasting time, Amiez extinguished the political lights of Isa Otto Amiza from Oyannam, where she is a two-term incumbent MP.
Now, in the mid-terms, the daughter-in-law of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote has made another bold move, this time away from her rural surroundings to the city of Lila, the political and spiritual capital of the Lango subregion.
While some may see Arsen as a newcomer to the political scene, firing her is risky because she won handily in her first attack, proving critics wrong.
It is worth mentioning that when she announced her intention to run for the city of Lira, many “political experts” played down her candidacy, believing that her campaign will fail.
Critics encouraged her to stay on the path of civil service (health), arguing that Rango’s political terrain was too precarious for someone of her caliber and would end in tears.
Even President Yoweri Museveni, in a nationally televised address during the notorious lockdown, was reluctant to say he would still reappoint her without becoming an elected member.
During the rollout of face masks in Aromo County in July 2020, Aceng sparked an uproar after being accused of ignoring the standard operating procedures his department had put in place to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arsen has risen from the grassroots to the top of the health ministry, and she is widely credited with implementing many tangible reforms in the country’s health sector with success.
So, until the electoral commission declares the winner, the question of who the duo will take home the 2026 Lira City Councilwoman trophy remains up in the air, depending on a number of factors, including how the pair play the game.
Have a story or opinion from your community to share with us: please email editorial@watchdoguganda.com
