Lower local councils in Kitgum district have been hit hard by the lack of the Chief Administrative Officer affecting service delivery to residents. Sub County LC 3 Chairmen interviewed by URN say that their activities have grounded to a halt due to lack of funds because of the ongoing confusion over the office of the CAO. Some of the affected programs include the implementation of NUSAF and NAADS projects.
In January 2011, the Local government ministry interdicted Charles Otai, Kitgum Chief Administrative Officer for alleged abuse of office. In his place, the ministry appointedhis deputy David Kawooya as the actingCAO. However, the district council led by its chairman Luka Nyeko rejected the appointment of Kawooya, and instead appointed James Okello P’Okidi, who was rejected by the ministry.
Following the disagreement between the district and local governments’ ministry, the Kitgum was left without a substantive CAO. Three sub count chiefs interviewed by URM say that their administration have been hit hard by the absence of a chief Administrative Officer. Peter Oola P’Akena, Akwang sub county LC 3 chairman says that, technical workers in his sub county workers only come to pass time because there is no money to implement their activities.
Ford Olanya, the LC 3 chairman of Mucwinyi Sub County says that his sub county is faced with a double tragedy. He says that in addition to the lack of a substantive CAO in the district, his sub county does not have a sub county chief. He says that newly the appointed sub county chief has never reported to her duty station. Caesar Opoka Acam, chairman Kigtum L C 3 chairpersons association down plays the problems affecting lower local councils due to lack of the CAO.
Acam claims that work is going on normally in the sub counties. But despite his denial, the LC 3 chairpersons have given Kitgum LC V chairman one week to sort out the confusion over the appointment of the CAO. Luka Nyeko, Kitgum LC V chairman has not yet commented on the matter, as he could not be reached by this reporter.
