By Steven Enatu.
The outgoing Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ssalim Komakech, has tasked the new RDC, Paul Eseru, with ensuring that individuals currently holding acting positions in various departments are substantially appointed. Komakech emphasized this today as he handed over official power to the incomong RDC Paul Eseru at the Soroti District Hall. Komakech emphasised the importance of supporting the administration and council in this effort.
He cited the example of Richard Oboi, the District Planner, who has been in an acting capacity for the past five years. According to Komakech, individuals in acting capacities may not be able to exercise full authority.
“It was part of my plan to ensure that these colleagues be fully appointed, but I was unable to complete it. I urge you, my colleague, and the Chief Administrative Officer, to ensure that those in acting roles, if they have the requisite qualifications, are given full mandates,” he said.
Komakech also urged Eseru to be accommodating and to work with everyone, encouraging openness to dissenting views.
Reflecting on his tenure, Komakech recounted how he faced resistance while implementing the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program. He shared that some accused him of trying to destroy the education system in Teso because he hails from West Nile.
Komakech highlighted the impact of extra charges imposed on parents, which he said had severely affected the education system in Soroti District. In 2022, out of 11,800 registered pupils, only 5,400 sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations, with nearly 6,000 dropping out because their parents couldn’t afford the additional costs.
“Forty-four parents were arrested by the District Police Commander, and they testified that the schools were too expensive, which is why they withdrew their children,” he said.
Komakech was praised for his leadership in Soroti District, with Richard Oboi, the acting District Planner, comparing him to Moses in the Bible. “He held the flag high like Moses on Mount Sinai, and we, the technical people, were helping him raise that flag. Wherever you go, your flag will be up,” Oboi remarked.
Komakech served as the RDC of Soroti District for over three years, with his leadership focused on driving socio-economic transformation in the district. He now takes on a new role in Arua City as the City Commissioner. He handed over office to Paul Eseru, formerly of Pakwach District, and called for teamwork and unity to ensure excellence in task execution.
“I am not coming to wield new powers; I am simply continuing the work that he [Komakech] has been doing, and I request that you offer me the same support. I love working with a cooperative team. I love excellence, and my goal is to ensure that we perform well in our duties despite the challenges, such as those involving people in acting positions,” Eseru stated.
Eseru also expressed his commitment to tackling poverty in Teso. “I have lived here for the last 38 years, and I know how deeply poverty is entrenched. My biggest task is to fight against poverty by ensuring that people embrace government-tailored programs like the Parish Development Model, the Women Entrepreneurship Fund, the Youth Livelihood Program, and many others,” he said.
The handover ceremony concluded with a tree-planting activity, during which both the new and outgoing commissioners planted an “Apeduru” tree, symbolizing environmental conservation.
District Communication Officer Abraham Ekwaru stated that the district has now been cleared to permanently employ individuals in these roles, beginning this financial year. He noted that there has been a nationwide issue with the wage bill, which had previously prevented the recruitment of key department heads.
The acting positions include those of Production Officer, Planning Officer, Natural Resources Officer, and others.