SWEARING IN: ARUA CENTRAL DIVISION LCS URGED TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

Some of the LC1 and LC2 Chairpersons of Arua Central Division taking their oath of allegiance during their swearing in ceremony organized by Arua Central Division in Arua City (All photos by Onzoma Albert).

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

The newly sworn in 50 Local Council 1 and 6 Local Council 2 Chairpersons of Arua Central Division have been warned against corruption, financial extortion, and bribery during their five-year tenure.

The warning was issued during their swearing-in ceremony for Arua Central Division at Arua Primary School Playgrounds presided over the Arua City legal officer Henry Odoma.

Matua Job Richard, the Arua City Assistant Resident City Commissioner, warned the new leaders that any attempt to manipulate service seekers through corruption or bribery will result in immediate criminal prosecution.

“I want to strongly warn the newly sworn in LC’s and their executives to avoid been involved in corruption cases, the LC’s should also monitor things like hygiene, education of children, security and government programs like PDM in their cells where they are in-charge,” he warned.

Arua City and Central Division officials during the swearing in ceremony.

His Worship Saidy Baguma, Mayor of Arua Central Division, committed to organizing induction and orientation workshops aimed at improving grassroots service delivery, recognizing the crucial role of local leaders.

“I promise to you that we shall go through induction both in our budget as division and also the national induction, I want you people to start work now because government cannot run without LC’s” he said.

Florence Eyotaru, Deputy Town Clerk, assured the leaders of the office’s support in executing their duties and urged them to serve with dignity.

“You are now our staff after taking the oaths and make sure you stand and work against the oaths you people have taken before your God that entrusted you with the responsibility of taking care of your community,” she said.

Arua City and Central Division officials taking group photo with the newly sworn LC1 and LC2 Chairpersons.

Muzamil Musa Murusali, LC2 Chairperson of Tanganyika ward, called on the leaders to respect their oaths and serve voluntarily without expecting undue benefits.

“When elections are done many people come into the system but when they realized that things are as they had planned they just vanish and leave a lot of vacuum, now I am urging the new committees let them work whole heartedly because this is a voluntary work and let them not come with the mind of getting money but with the heart of helping the community,” he said.

They were cautioned against handling serious capital crimes, such as defilement, murder, or human trafficking, which should be reported directly to the police. Additionally, they were advised against charging illegal commissions or facilitating unlawful land transactions.

The Ministry of Local Government mandates outgoing leaders to hand over government property within a specified period, and incoming officials must verify receipt of all essential institutional assets.

Overall, the focus was on promoting transparent service delivery, accountability, and proper management at the grassroots level.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis