By KT Reporter
The Kumi District Council has called for the immediate transfer of Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D-RDC) James Kyomya, who has been acting as RDC since Hudu Hussein resigned to pursue a political career. The resolution was tabled by Sam Akol, the Kumi District Vice Chairperson, during a council meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The council’s concerns stem from the ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike, during which Kyomya ordered the arrest of head teachers participating in the industrial action, affecting 75 public primary schools in Kumi. The strike, led by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) since September 15, seeks to address salary disparities in the education sector.
Local leaders, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the education department, and political heads, have been engaging teachers to persuade them back to class while awaiting a government response. However, their efforts have been disrupted by Kyomya’s threats of arrest.
“This has complicated our efforts in persuading teachers to return to class. The acting RDC has also threatened civil servants, including parish chiefs and district assistant engineers, creating a fear-filled working environment,” Akol said.
LCV chairperson Nelson Elungat Lakol added that Kyomya’s actions have tarnished the district’s reputation, which previously ranked ninth in local government assessments. He warned that the arrests are demoralizing technical staff and could have political consequences.
“As the district chairperson, I condone the act. I pledge to write to the Ministry of Presidency for Kyomya’s transfer,” Elungat stressed. Other leaders echoed similar concerns. Joyce Angoku, the women councilor for Ongino Sub-County, said many staff would prefer a different leadership style and urged Kyomya to improve relations with the LCV’s office and department heads.
Kanyum Sub-County councilor Alex Ongolinyang advised him to adopt dialogue before resorting to arrests, while District Speaker David Tukei recommended a harmonization meeting between the LCV and the deputy RDC. Tukei further cautioned Kyomya against making hasty arrests without consulting department heads. In his defense, Kyomya called for a ceasefire and emphasized teamwork.
He explained that arrests were prompted by accountability gaps discovered during inspections of road works in the district. Despite his explanation, district leaders and councilors insist on his transfer, accusing him of failing to cooperate and focusing on arrests instead of allowing investigations to run their course.
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