Lira, Uganda | A group of boda-boda riders and youth who had earlier defected from the camp of Health Minister and Lira City Woman MP, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, to that of Betty Amongi Akena, have officially returned to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), apologising to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Dr. Aceng and the people of Lango for their actions.
The group, led by Okori Moses, Chairperson of the Lira City Boda-Boda Riders Association, said the defection was caused by frustration and misinformation.
He explained that some riders had expressed disappointment over not receiving fuel facilitation during Dr. Aceng’s nomination day, which they interpreted as neglect.
Okori confirmed that out of the 15 riders who defected, 10 had now rejoined NRM and were warmly received.
He noted that his colleagues had acted out of anger and misinformation but had since realised that Dr. Aceng’s leadership was genuine and development-oriented, prompting their return.
Several of the returning members said they were relieved to rejoin the NRM camp after being wrongly perceived as bad elements in the community.
They clarified that they did not participate in the incident where yellow shirts bearing the images of President Museveni and Dr. Aceng were stepped on, claiming instead that hired drunkards were responsible for the act.
One of the returnees, Isaac Ocen, said they were deceived by a man identified as Okello Jacob to join the UPC camp.
He said the group had come to appreciate NRM’s record in maintaining peace, ensuring security, and driving development in Uganda.
Ocen noted that they had decided to return to the ruling party because they now understood its values and leadership vision.
He further urged the youth to rally behind Dr. Aceng in her 2026 re-election bid, citing her efforts in improving services at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and implementing several community projects.
Ocen and other returnees demonstrated their renewed allegiance by removing red campaign shirts associated with Amongi’s camp and putting on NRM yellow shirts.
Aziz Muhammad, Chairperson of United Hawkers Association of Lira City, distanced his group from the earlier defection, saying the association had consistently supported NRM.
He explained that the hawkers were interested in leaders who addressed their welfare needs and affirmed that his team would continue supporting Dr. Aceng and President Museveni.
On the other hand, Okello Jacob, a boda-boda rider and teacher, said their earlier decision to support Amongi was influenced by unaddressed concerns within Dr. Aceng’s camp.
He explained that they did not oppose Dr. Aceng personally but only sought attention for their needs and challenges.
Welcoming the returnees, Jacob Ocen, the NRM Publicity Secretary for Lira City, commended them for realising the truth and returning to the ruling party.
He said they had been misled by individuals who lacked a genuine development agenda for Lira City.
Ocen also criticised the recent acts of stepping on NRM campaign shirts, describing them as disrespectful and politically immature.
He said Dr. Aceng understands the challenges facing the people of Lira City and is committed to addressing them.
He added that NRM stands for unity and warns the youth against being used by selfish politicians with no vision for the city.
The reconciliation meeting concluded with renewed pledges of loyalty from both the boda-boda and hawkers’ associations, who vowed to mobilise support for Dr. Aceng’s 2026 re-election campaign and President Museveni’s continued leadership.