By Our Reporter
KATAKWI
The Katakwi district local government today held its final council meeting of the year, but journalists were notably barred from attending.
Upon arrival for what was anticipated to be a brief, three-hour session, District Communications Officer John Baptist Emukoki, dressed in official clerk attire, informed journalists that they were not permitted to enter the council hall.
Emukoki explained that this restriction was in line with directives from the district speaker, John Bosco Aliabu Okiror, who preferred the meeting to be closed to media coverage.
He mentioned that the district LCV Chairperson, Geoffrey Omolo, would address the press after the council meeting concluded.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that the council was set to discuss several contentious issues, including allegations of corruption related to the recent teacher recruitment process, delays in staff promotions for those in acting positions, and persistent transfers of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in the district. Additionally, the council was expected to approve a supplementary budget.
Recently, it was reported that Katakwi District is anticipated to receive approximately UGX 4 billion for a new recruitment drive in the 2025/2026 financial year, aimed at addressing staffing shortages, particularly in the teaching sector.
Following the meeting, council members and district leaders plan to participate in a year-end prayer ceremony at the district headquarters in the afternoon, organized by the local government as a way to conclude the year.
It’s important to note that Article 5(1) of the Access to Information Act, 2005 (Uganda) guarantees every citizen the right to access information and records held by the State or any public body.
