Summary:
- During a vote of no confidence held on Tuesday, December 11, 2024, hundreds of residents gathered at Alali Trading Center and decided to withdraw the LC1 chairman’s stamp.
KATAKWI: In a bid to ensure effective service delivery in the community, the LC1 Chairman of Otuyai village, Abwokodia Parish, Usuk Sub-County in Katakwi District, has been removed from office following accusations of corruption and discriminatory practices. This action has prompted the community to call for the government to revoke his official stamp.
A section of Otuyai village residents demanded that the Sub-County and District Authorities withdraw the stamp from Stephen Arwede. Residents, including Michael Ojok, Emmanuel Ocatum, and Moses Okure, voiced their concerns, accusing the LC1 Chairman of colluding with police, criminals, and wealthy individuals to manipulate case outcomes.
During a vote of no confidence held on Tuesday, December 11, 2024, hundreds of residents gathered at Alali Trading Center and decided to withdraw the LC1 chairman’s stamp. The decision was based on allegations that Arwede prioritized financial incentives over resolving community issues.
He was also accused of handling cases without involving the full committee, relying only on the secretary, who doubles as the LC2 Chairperson.
Stephen Arwede, the ousted LC1 Chairman, denied the allegations, claiming he only received small tokens of appreciation from community members for his services.
“I have been receiving small monies as an appreciation of my work from community members, but I have not been charging them as they claim,” Arwede stated.
Augustine Modo, a mobilizer in the LC1 committee, has been entrusted by the community as a caretaker until the official handover of the stamp and office by the sub-county chief. Modo pledged to deliver better service to the community.
“I am ready to deliver the community from corruption and poor service delivery,” he said.
Raphael Mark Ojakal, the district councilor for Usuk, urged the incoming LC1 Chairman to act with integrity and prioritize service delivery.
“My office has been receiving reports about the strained relationship between the chairman and the community. This must change,” Ojakal emphasized.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Chairman of Katakwi, called on residents to respect, support, and guide leaders in all positions while urging local leaders to serve with honesty and dedication.
Godfrey Katamba, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, presided over the meeting. He urged the Usuk Sub-County Chairperson and sub-county chief to facilitate a smooth transition of office to the newly entrusted LC1 leader.
Katamba also encouraged the people of Katakwi District to support government programs aimed at eradicating poverty in households
