Lamwo council unveils new leadership amid demands for greater accountability

Last Updated 13 minutes ago by tnd News, Uganda

Lamwo district council has completed the formation of its key leadership structures following the approval of a new district executive committee (DEC).

The approval was followed by the election of standing committee chairpersons, setting the stage for a new term marked by heightened calls for accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery.

This development unfolded during a series of council sessions that underscored both the district’s democratic processes and growing expectations among elected leaders for stronger oversight of public resources and government programmes.

The most contentious moment came during the approval of the DEC when councillors engaged in a heated debate over the nomination of David Odongmadiki as district vice chairperson.

Odongmadiki was nominated by district chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen in line with local government procedures. However, his nomination faced opposition from a section of councillors who questioned his performance during the previous term.

Workers’ councillor Vincent Ouma led the criticism, arguing that the vice chairperson had not effectively executed some of his responsibilities.

He cited concerns over the management of the district’s budget approval process and questioned whether key duties had been delegated instead of being directly supervised.

The disagreement sparked intense debate within the council chamber, with some councillors expressing dissatisfaction and threatening to walk out of the proceedings.I

Despite the tensions, district council speaker Doris Abalo guided members through the legal provisions governing the approval of executive appointments and emphasised the need to adhere to established procedures.

Following deliberations, councillors voted to approve Odongmadiki’s nomination, allowing him to retain the position.

The debate reflected a broader mood within the council, where members are increasingly demanding greater accountability from district leaders and public officials.

Following the approval process, the council formally endorsed the new District Executive Committee and the team comprises David Odongmadiki as district vice Cl chairperson, Justine Peace Odur as secretary for finance, planning and audministration, Florence Atii as Secretary for human capital , and Nelson Lubangakene as development secretary for production, Marketing, natural Resources, Trade, Industry, Works and Technical Services.

District Chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen urged the executive members to work as a united team and prioritize the needs of communities across the district.

“We have been entrusted by the people to lead and serve and this executive must remain committed to accountability, transparency, and the effective implementation of government programmes,” Ocen said.

Speaking after his approval, Odongmadiki pledged to strengthen coordination between the executive arm and the council to improve service delivery.

Odur emphasized prudent financial management and sound planning as key pillars of the district’s development agenda, while Atii pledged to advance health, education, and community development programmes.

Lubangakene said his focus would be supporting farmers, improving market access, promoting environmental conservation, and advocating for better infrastructure to stimulate economic growth.

In another key development, councillors elected leaders of the district’s standing committees, which play a critical role in overseeing government programmes and monitoring public expenditure.

Joyce Kirindi, councillor for Palabek Gem and Abera sub-counties, was elected chairperson of the human capital development committee, which oversees education, health, and community services.

Ocen James, councillor for Katum sub-county, was elected Chairperson of the Production, Marketing, Natural Resources, Works and Technical Services Committee, responsible for supervising sectors such as agriculture, roads, trade, fisheries, and environmental management.

Oryem John Apire was elected Chairperson of the Finance, Planning and Administration Committee, which scrutinises district budgets, monitors revenue collection and expenditure, and oversees governance and administrative matters.

Council leaders said strong collaboration between the executive committee and standing committees will be essential to ensuring effective implementation of development programmes and responsible utilisation of public resources.

As the new term begins, councillors say the focus must now shift from leadership formation to delivering tangible results for the people of Lamwo.


Discover more from tndNews, Uganda

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave your thoughts

Kindly write to us to copy and paste this article. Thank you!

Discover more from tndNews, Uganda

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading