LIRA – The Deputy Head of the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) Secretariat and Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President, Sr. Dr. Mary Grace Akiror, has urged leaders in Lira District and Lira City to put aside personal and political differences and prioritise service delivery to the people.
She warned that persistent disagreements among district leaders could undermine the implementation of government programmes, demoralise public servants and compromise the delivery of essential services to communities.
“You cannot work in isolation. Above all, you should know that that office is not yours; it is not your home. You hold it in trust, and we have the mandate to remove you because you are entrusted with that responsibility,” Sr. Akiror cautioned.
She made the remarks during separate service delivery mobilisation meetings held in Lira District and Lira City on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
In Lira District, she met leaders at Ogur Town Council, the proposed site for the district headquarters, while the meeting in Lira City was held at the City Council Hall.
Sr. Akiror urged leaders to intensify community mobilisation and encourage residents to embrace government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and the restocking programme, to improve household incomes and livelihoods.
She also called on public officials to strengthen institutional accountability, transparency and oversight, warning that those found diverting government resources would face appropriate action.
The Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat challenged district leaders to establish effective internal controls and checks and balances to ensure public resources are utilised for their intended purposes.
During the Lira District engagement, Sr. Akiror introduced Molly Abang as Acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC), following the removal of Lillian Eyal amid allegations of misappropriation of public funds, which are reportedly under investigation.
She further challenged the RDC and Resident City Commissioner (RCC) to uphold ethical standards and foster harmonious working relationships among the Office of the President, elected leaders, technical officials and the wider community.
Sr. Akiror also directed Lira RCC Lawrence Egole to investigate allegations of indiscipline and intimidation involving Assistant RCC Sam Olang and submit a report.
Sr. Akiror issued a strong warning against corruption in public recruitment, particularly the alleged sale of government jobs by members of District Service Commissions.
She said reports from several districts she had visited indicated that some members of District Service Commissions were allegedly demanding money in exchange for public appointments.
She also raised concerns about nepotism, alleging that some commission members, mayors and LCV chairpersons reserve public positions for their children until they complete university education.
“Selling government jobs is criminal, and when we get you, you will pay for it,” she warned, urging members of District Service Commissions and other public officials to execute their mandates transparently and professionally.
The mobilisation meetings brought together Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), mayors, RDCs, deputy and assistant RDCs, members of District Service Commissions, LCIII chairpersons, heads of departments, opinion leaders and other stakeholders.
Lira District LCV Chairperson Richard Okello Orik welcomed the intervention by the RDC Secretariat, saying persistent leadership disagreements had demoralised civil servants and affected their ability to deliver services effectively.
He noted that the wrangles had created an environment that made it difficult for public officials to execute their responsibilities efficiently.
Fr. Ambrose Adupa, Curate of Agweng Catholic Parish, called on leaders to strengthen community engagement and serve citizens with love, commitment and humility.
He said religious leaders were also encouraging their congregations to embrace government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods.
At the conclusion of her engagements, Sr. Akiror visited the proposed Lira District headquarters construction site, where a Shs4 billion administration block is being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
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