Betty Amongi's Cabinet Exit Signals Shifting Political Sands

Betty Amongi, a long-serving minister and a key UPC figure, has been removed from President Yoweri Museveni’s cabinet. Amongi, who is also the daughter-in-law of former President Milton Obote, previously held significant portfolios including Lands, Kampala Capital City, and Gender, Labour, and Social Development since 2016.

Her departure from the ministry on May 26, 2026, has surprised many observers, given her seemingly strong relationship with President Museveni. Critics, however, had previously warned opposition members, including those aligning with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), about the potential risks of such alliances.

Amongi’s political journey has been closely intertwined with her husband, Jimmy Akena Obote, president of the UPC. Their marriage in 2013 was notably attended by President Museveni, who reportedly contributed Shs50 million to the ceremony. This event underscored the cordial relationship between the Obote family and the President, a sentiment echoed in 2015 when Mr. Museveni hinted at a potential alliance between his NRM party and Akena’s faction of the UPC.

However, the political landscape appears to have shifted leading up to the 2026 general elections. Mr. Akena, who had previously urged his supporters to vote for Museveni, entered the presidential race, only to be disqualified by the Electoral Commission. Concurrently, Ms. Amongi lost her bid for the Lira City Woman MP seat against the NRM’s Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.

The UPC has since clarified its position, stating that no formal cooperation agreement currently exists with the NRM. The party emphasized that any engagement is subject to discussion and mutual agreement, maintaining its stance as an independent opposition party. This development suggests a potential recalibration of the UPC-NRM relationship, impacting figures like Amongi and potentially signaling a move away from the structured alliance previously envisioned.