By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
The chairman LC1 of Otuyai village, Abwokodia Parish, Usuk Sub County in Katakwi district has been removed from office after being accused of corruption and segregation in his service, prompting the community to urge that the government removes the stamp from him.
A section of Otuya village residents demanded that the Sub County and District Authority withdraw a stamp from Stephen Arwede.
Michael Ojok, Emmanuel Ocatum, and Moses Okure, who expressed their concerns, grilled the LC1 for colluding with police, criminals, and those with money while handling cases.
Following a vote of no confidence that was held on 11-12-2024 Tuesday, hundreds of citizens gathered at Alali Trading had no choice but to withdraw stamps on the grounds that the LC1 chief fronts money rather than settling issues. LC1 Arwede is accused of hearing cases without a committee, with the exception of the secretary, who also serves as the LC2 chairperson.
Stephen Arwede who lost his stamp, denied working alone and stated that he only receives gratitude from neighbors.
“I have been getting small monies as an appreciation of work from my community members but not charging them as they are alleging,” Arwede said.
Augustine Modo, a mobilizer in the LC1 committee who was entrusted by locals as caretaker while LC1 awaited the official handover of the stamp and office by the sub-county chief, vowed to serve properly.
“I am ready to deliver the community from the hands of corruption and poor service deliverym” he said.
Raphael Mark Ojakal, district councilor for Usuk, urged the incoming LC1 to act with honesty and prioritize service delivery.
“My office has been getting information about the state of working relationship between the chairman and his people but it was wanting,” Ojakal said
Geoffrey Omolo, LC5 Katakwi, implored residents to respect, support, and guide leaders in all positions while urging the LC ones to serve with Godly hearts.
Godfrey Katamba, RDC Katakwi, presided over the meeting and urged the chairperson Usuk and sub-county chief to promptly take over the office to the new local council one, who had been entrusted by the residents.
He urged the people of Katakwi district to support government programs in order to eradicate poverty in households.
