By Henry Okello
TORORO
Tororo Municipal Gardens erupted in song and chants on Friday as Ochieng Bernard, the former East FM Station Manager known across the district as “Oben” took the oath of office to become the new Mayor of Tororo Municipality.
The high-profile ceremony, presided over by Chief Magistrate Irene Nambatya, brought together hundreds of dignitaries, including religious leaders, cultural heads, politicians, and business owners.
Also sworn in were the new chairpersons and councillors for both Eastern and Western Divisions, completing the municipality’s new leadership slate.
Clad in a dark suit and the mayoral chain, Oben’s first words as Mayor were for the voters who propelled him from the radio to Council chambers.
“I thank the people of Tororo Municipality for entrusting me with this office,” Oben said, pausing as the crowd cheered.
“You believed in me when I had only a microphone. Now I have your mandate, and I owe you service, not excuses.”
He immediately set the tone for his term, listing three battles he intends to fight; reviving the night economy, fighting corruption, and stopping land grabbing.
“Land grabbing has long hindered development in this municipality, we shall audit, reclaim, and protect public land,” he said.
Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna, Tororo Municipality MP, used his first official engagement to congratulate the new council and warn against division.
“Division has contributed to slow development in Tororo Municipality,” Tanna said. “I call on leaders and the public to abandon divisive politics. If we work as one, Tororo will rise.”
Tororo Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Bategana Sadiq was blunt in his charge to the new team.
“I urge the new leaders to live by the President’s call for ‘no more sleep, no more corruption.’ Hard work and integrity are needed to close the service delivery gaps that have held back Tororo’s performance. The citizens are tired of speeches. They want water, roads, and jobs.”
