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Quick Facts
Biography
Betty Amongi Akena, (née Betty Amongi Ongom), but commonly known as Betty Amongi, is a Ugandan politician. She is the Cabinet Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in the Ugandan Cabinet. She was appointed to that position on 6 June 2016. She is also the incumbent member of parliament representing the Oyam South Constituency in the 10th Parliament (2016 to 2021).
Background and education
Betty Amongi was born in Oyam District, Lango sub-region, in the Northern Region of Uganda, on 15 November 1975. In 1996, she entered Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and public administration. Later in 2009, she was awarded a Master of Arts in International relations and Diplomatic studies.
Career
Betty Amongi was first elected to parliament in 2001. She has been re-elected in 2006, 2011 and 2016. In a surprise move following the 20 February 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections, President Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement political party, named her Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, despite her affiliation to the opposition Uganda People's Congress.
Personal
On 6 April 2013, Betty Amongi married Jimmy Akena, the member of Parliament for Lira Municipality and president of the opposition Uganda People's Congress. Akena is the son of Milton Obote, the two-time former Prime Minister and President of Uganda. The traditional marriage took place in Minakulu sub-county, Oyam District and was attended by, 32 members of parliament. President Yoweri Museveni, a friend of the couple, also attended the wedding.