Lira | Theophilas Tibihika, town clerk of Lira City Council, has confirmed the then-acting division mayor of Lira City West as a legitimate leader.
Tibihika carried out the duty on Friday, April 19, 2024. He handed over the entire mantle to Rose Ongom.
Mayor Micheal Ogwal Achonga (UPC) died in October 2023, leaving the division mayoral seat vacant.
Achonga died after a battle with cancer. He was admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital for several months.
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In a letter dated April 10, 2024, to acting mayor Rose Ongom, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi confirmed that Section 18(5) of the Local Government Act CAP 243 states that the deputy mayor assumes the office of chairperson or mayor until the Independent Electoral Commission holds a by-election to fill the vacant position.
Tibihika stated at the confirmation meeting held at Lira City Council that Rose Ongom had already been sworn in as deputy mayor and therefore could not be sworn in again.
Patrick Okwir, the speaker of Lira City Council, stated that Section 18 (5) of the Local Government Act states that in the event of a mayor’s death, the division deputy mayor(s) will take over the mayor’s office until a by-election is held within 60 days.
Speaker Okwir pledged his full support for Rose Ongom as she takes over the office.
Ongom promised to liaise with civil servants and councillors to help the division grow.
She is a member of the UPC party.
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