Omoro District Chairman Andrew Okot Obibi being sworn by Gulu Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule (right).
By Simon Wokorach
OMORO: Former Ugandan diplomat and statesman Dr. Olara Otunnu has challenged the newly elected leaders of Omoro District to redirect farmers toward perennial crop farming as a pathway out of poverty and toward sustainable household incomes.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Omoro District Council at the district headquarters on Tuesday evening, Otunnu described Acholi sub-region as highly suitable for a commercial cash crop economy anchored on long-term agricultural investment.
He said the region, historically known for food crop production and livestock keeping, has increasingly fallen into poverty and now requires a deliberate economic shift centered on perennial crops such as coffee, bananas, and cocoa.
“You must tell the people that crops like coffee, banana, and cocoa grow better in this land. Our people need to pay school fees; they need to pay hospital bills. Perennial crops will help them,” Dr. Otunnu said.
He further urged the newly sworn-in leaders to avoid abuse of office and misuse of public resources, emphasizing the need for unity and legislation that improves the welfare of residents.
The newly elected Omoro District Chairperson, Andrew Okot Obibi, who defeated Douglas Peter Okello Okao in the 2026 elections, pledged to prioritize development, integrity, and accountability in district leadership.
Omoro District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Paul Muzige also urged the district chairperson to execute his duties diligently and in line with the Constitution, the Local Government Act, and established rules of procedure.
He emphasized the importance of implementing the already approved five-year district development plan.
The third council of Omoro District Local Government also elected Francis Lamony, the councilor representing Acet Town Council on the National Resistance Movement ticket, as District Council Speaker.
Lamony defeated Ben Acellam, the councilor representing Bobi Sub-county on the Democratic Party ticket, securing 20 votes against Acellam’s 16 out of the 36 votes cast.
Lamony, a graduate of Gulu University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies and Education and Humanities, replaces Counsel Richard Bongowat Luganya, who did not contest in the 2026 elections.
In his victory speech, Lamony pledged to unite councilors and focus on service delivery and policy formulation aimed at accelerating development within the district.
Proscovia Akello, the Female Youth Councilor Five from Koro Sub-county, was elected Deputy Speaker after her challenger, Stella Nambozo, the female workers’ councilor, withdrew from the race shortly before voting.
The councilor representing Ongako Sub-county, Richard Otika, was appointed Vice Chairperson by the District Chairperson and approved by the council.
Robina Ayamo, the female councilor representing Palenga Town Council and former Deputy Speaker, was appointed Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration.
Veteran radio journalist Chris Woo James, the male councilor for Aremo Sub-county, was appointed Secretary for Community Based Services covering health and education, while Engineer Paul Acaye, the workers’ councilor from Lalogi Sub-county, became Secretary for Production, Works and Technical Services.
The Resident District Commissioner for Omoro warned district leaders against absenteeism from duty, describing it as another form of corruption.
“Corruption isn’t only about stealing public resources; keep daily attendance at the office because if you don’t, that’s corruption,” the commissioner warned.
He also urged leaders to strengthen oversight in the implementation of the Parish Development Model and the ongoing cattle restocking program, citing reports of ineligible beneficiaries.
“We have reports of wrong people benefiting from both the Parish Development Model and restocking programs, but you must end that so that we have the right beneficiaries,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tochi County Member of Parliament Peter Okot called on the office of the Chief Administrative Officer to organize orientation sessions for newly sworn-in councilors to strengthen oversight and improve council operations.
“Let’s start with orientation as the first call; there is a lot of work to do. Omoro District Local Government is in the red light of every sector of development,” MP Okot said.
