The newly elected Local Council (LC) I and II leaders in Soroti City West Division have been challenged to uphold transparency, fight corruption and ensure government programmes benefit the people they are intended to serve.
The leaders were sworn into office and handed official materials at the Soroti West Division offices in Nakatunya on Monday, before attending a security committee meeting aimed at orienting them on their roles and responsibilities.
Soroti West Deputy Resident City Commissioner James Kyomya told the leaders that LC I chairpersons have a critical role in maintaining security at village level and must work closely with police and other security agencies to prevent and respond to crime.
Kyomya said the chairpersons are responsible for village security and should actively engage with residents and security agencies to address criminality. He urged the leaders to hold regular security meetings in their respective villages and strengthen community vigilance against theft, drug abuse and other forms of crime.
Kyomya also warned LC leaders against shielding criminals, saying those found collaborating with criminals or abusing their offices would face the law. Beyond security, Kyomya tasked the leaders with ensuring that government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, youth programmes, GROW and restocking initiatives, reach the intended beneficiaries.
Particular concern was raised over allegations of corruption and extortion in the implementation of PDM. Kyomya said authorities had received reports of ghost beneficiaries and alleged demands for bribes from residents seeking to benefit from the programme, particularly in Nakatunya.
He said PDM beneficiary lists in the division would be scrutinised and community meetings organised to allow residents to report cases of bribery, ghost beneficiaries and other forms of mismanagement. Kyomya urged residents who had been asked to pay bribes to access PDM funds to speak out and report those responsible.
He cautioned LC leaders against attempting to settle corruption cases involving government funds at village level, saying such matters should instead be reported to the relevant authorities. Soroti West Division Police Commander, Moses Nabongo, reinforced the warning, saying LC leaders who attempt to resolve cases involving PDM funds could themselves face arrest.
Nabongo also reminded LC I chairpersons that although they head security structures at village level, they are not authorised to handle serious criminal offences such as murder, defilement and human trafficking.
He directed the leaders to receive complaints, secure the affected persons where necessary and promptly forward serious criminal cases to police for investigation and further action. Nabongo urged the new leaders to establish or strengthen village security committees and community policing structures to improve information sharing and crime prevention. He cited Odokomit as an example of how cooperation between local leaders, residents and police can help address criminal activities involving groups of youths.
The police commander also called on residents to report the cultivation and use of illicit drugs, including opium, saying community members have an important role in identifying and reporting such activities.
With schools on holiday, Nabongo urged parents and local leaders to remain vigilant against defilement and other forms of child abuse. Soroti West Division Mayor John Enomu urged the newly elected leaders to put political differences aside and serve all residents regardless of their political affiliation.
He reminded the leaders that although they were elected under different political parties or as independents, they now have a common responsibility to serve the entire community. Enomu urged LC leaders to prioritise vulnerable residents when government programmes are distributed and cautioned them against favouritism or bringing beneficiaries from outside their respective areas.
He also warned leaders against using their offices to facilitate double sales of land, land grabbing and other fraudulent transactions. The mayor advised leaders to consult division authorities whenever they are uncertain about an issue, particularly before using government stamps or making official decisions.
The newly elected leaders also pledged to uphold transparency and put community interests ahead of personal gain. Emuron Ezekel Alex, the LC II chairperson for Senior Quarters Ward, said leaders should serve as a source of guidance and accountability in their communities and pledged to deliver services without discrimination.
Ayino Susan Deborah, the LC I chairperson of Lubiri Cell, pledged to work closely with residents and government agencies to strengthen security and ensure government programmes reach their intended beneficiaries.
The newly elected LC I chairperson for Oderai Cell B, Philip Opio, pledged to prioritise security and work with fellow leaders to ensure government programmes are properly implemented. Opio said his leadership would focus on serving residents rather than pursuing personal interests-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
