Health Minister Aceng elected NRM Finance Secretary in Lira City
Dr Aceng secured the position while her sole intending rival, Sarah Awor Angweri was beaten in her own Kirombe North A cell.
Zaitun Driwaru, a Commissioner with the NRM Electoral Commission help health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng check her name in the NRM register. (Photos by Hudson Apunyo)
Hudson Apunyo
Journalist @New Vision
_______________
Minister of health and Lira City Woman MP, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has been elected Secretary for Finance (NRM) for Ireda Lumumba Cell in Lira City East Division.
In a vote that also saw the expulsion of several high-profile party members accused of working against the ruling party.
Dr Aceng secured the position while her sole intending rival, Sarah Awor Angweri was beaten in her own Kirombe North A cell.
Another potential candidate, Patricia Aceng Ogwang, did not participate in the election because she did not register as an NRM member, although she was present at the party’s baraza in her village.
Party expels alleged ‘moles’
Amid the internal elections, several members suspected of disloyalty were expelled from the NRM register in Lira City.
According to Joshua Akejo, NRM Administrative Assistant for Lira City, reports were received from Junior Quarters A and B Cells in Lira City West Division about actions taken to remove suspected “moles” from party ranks.
Zaitun Driwaru, a Commissioner with the NRM Electoral Commission welcome Lawrence Akona before dressing him in NRM t-shirt.
He is awaiting written confirmation to verify the individuals affected.
Aceng calls for unity, discipline and accountability
In her remarks to NRM members from Ireda Agali, Ireda Lumumba, and Ireda Housing Estate, Dr Aceng urged party members to elect strong, principled leaders capable of withstanding internal and external challenges.
“The task ahead is tough. We must choose leaders who are committed and accountable—not those who use the party as a stepping stone for personal gain,” she said.
She encouraged members to mobilise support not only for herself but also for President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming elections.
Bid for Lira City NRM Chairperson
Dr Aceng also announced her intention to run for Chairperson of NRM in Lira City, citing the need for stronger leadership.
RDC weighs in
Josephine Omara Olili, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kole and a resident of Ireda Agali, also addressed the gathering.
She appealed to NRM members to elect leaders who are committed to the party’s mission and values.
During the baraza, one Lawrence Akona, a member of the National Unity Party, defected to NRM and was welcomed by Dr Aceng after being dressed in a yellow t-shirt by Zaitun Driwaru, a Commissioner with the NRM Electoral Commission.
Driwaru told the gathering that it's only the NRM with structures all over the country.
“Nobody should deceive us that other parties are strong enough to win the election in Uganda. As NRM, we appreciate the work of our foreleaders,” she noted.