By Chris Woo
During the commissioning of Oyam District’s new administration block, constructed by Bygone Enterprises at a cost of 2.9 billion Ugandan shillings, Local Government Minister Hon. Raphael Magezi commended the contractor for the excellent work. He pledged to send other district leaders to witness the architectural design and replicate it in their own districts.
Minister Magezi emphasized that his ministry will work tirelessly to secure funding for fencing the district headquarters, to enhance security for government property and staff. Regarding the creation of Aber District, Magezi stated that although the government has maintained a ban on the creation of new districts and administrative units, once the ban is lifted, he will prioritize Oyam for the creation of Aber District due to its population of over 400,000 people, as per the latest census.
The minister condemned the rampant corruption within the district service commission, as reported by the councilors, and urged that any culprits, especially parish chiefs found tampering with PDM funds, be dismissed from government office. He also appealed to LC3 councilors from the newly created town council, who had threatened to resign, to continue serving while his office coordinates with the Ministry of Finance to resolve their issues.
Oyam North Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, praised the district leadership for successfully implementing the government project to construct the administration block. However, she expressed concern that the building would be of little use to the community if the government fails to address the issue of poverty among the people.
SGT Shilaku James, the Resident District Commissioner of Oyam, thanked President Museveni for establishing the district headquarters and urged the government to tarmac the Loro-Oyam Town Council road.
Hon. Benson Walter Dila Oyuku, the LC5 Chairperson of Oyam, expressed gratitude to Minister Magezi for attending the event as the guest of honor. He mentioned that 1.7 billion shillings is required to fence the district headquarters and reiterated the need for the creation of Aber District, along with the elevation of Iceme and Loro sub-counties, and Otwal and Ngai town boards to town council status. He warned that failing to create Aber District would allow the opposition to gain ground in future elections. He also urged the minister to address the issue of unpaid ex-gratia for LC1, LC2, and town council councilors.
Hon. Normmy Otieno, the District Speaker and Oyam South MP aspirant, called for the ministry to provide local council leaders with copies of the Constitution to aid their work.
Bosco Okello Odongo, Technical Director of Bygone Enterprises, thanked the district leadership and central government for awarding them the contract. He appealed to the government to prioritize local contractors over the UPDF Engineering Brigade, which he argued would create more jobs for the local community.
