Lira City East mayor Ayo pledges corruption fight

Lira City East Division Mayor, George Okello Ayo has vowed to combat the high level of corruption in Lira City.

Ayo stated this fight is essential for the local community to benefit from various programs, including good roads, facilities, schools, and markets.

The division mayor addressed this matter on Monday, January 5, 2026, in Lira City while speaking to journalists about his achievements over the last four years.

Okello emphasised that for Lira City to develop like other cities in the country, it needs competent leaders who value the importance of serving the local community.

His commitment to this cause was previously recognized when, on December 7, 2024, he received a certificate from ActionAid Uganda for his efforts in combating corruption. “I’m going to clear corruption in Lira City to zero in the upcoming new government for my people,” Okello declared.

This award celebrated his achievements in reducing corruption within the Lira City Council and East Division, accomplished through collaboration with his councilors.

While presenting his manifesto, Mayor Okello Ayo highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and called for collective action.

“We have significantly reduced corruption levels in Lira City Council and East Division. However, corruption remains rampant in Uganda, affecting the growth and development of our nation,” he said.

He urged residents of Lira City and the broader Lango sub-region to support anti-corruption initiatives. Mayor Okello Ayo, a graduate of Gulu University who has also received a Catholic certificate for his community contributions, finds his dedication further affirmed by the ActionAid certificate for fostering transparency and accountability.

Mayor Okello Ayo also accused the current leadership of Lira City, headed by His Worship Mayor Sam Atul, of being mired in high-level corruption.

He cited an alleged instance where Atul used shs950 million to finance the Lira Mayor’s Garden and is dancing the Lira Tipper Stage project that cost over 1.2 billion. “This is too much corruption. How could you waste all that money and expect people to trust you again? Enough is enough,” Okello stated.

In his new manifesto, Mayor Okello pledged to boost security by installing lights at all border city points such as Negetta, Amuca, Boroboro, Akalo, and Balape Market to ensure safe movement for residents.

His appeal to local residents, civil society, and law enforcement underscores the need for a united front to combat corruption, which he described as one of Uganda’s biggest challenges.

He additionally noted that due to his commendable work in fighting corruption, over 11 different local governments have visited City East Division to learn from his model, including delegations from Gulu City, Tororo, Mbale City, Zombo, Mukuno, and Dokolo.

“The mayor’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to join the fight for a more transparent and accountable Uganda. I have seen a lot of corruption in the main city; that’s why I have come to rescue my people,” Okello said.

Okello Ayo is competing against incumbent Sam Atul, Sarah Awor, Ogwang Med Mach, Ogwang Olwa Veve, among other candidates.