The new Lamwo district council has now taken shape after the LC5 chairman and his councilors were sworn in, speakers elected and district executive committee formed.
Komakech John Ogwok (FDC) and his 26 councilors took oaths of office conducted by Kitgum Chief Magistrate, His Worship Okongo Japyem, at the district council on Monday, witnessed by a wide range of spectators.
The first session of the first meeting of the second Lamwo council also saw Madi Opei councilor; Amone Jimmy elected the new Lamwo district speaker. He beat off stiff competition from former vice chairman LC5, Ocen Richard Kwang, also Padibe Town Council chairman.
Amone garnered 16 votes against 10 for Kwang. Lakot Sheila, the female councilor Agoro who was proposed by Ogwok, was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker. Her election came after her female counterpart from Palabek Kal and Palabek Gem, Lakomekec Doreen turned down her nomination for the same post, even though she would have sailed through unopposed.
All Komakech John Ogwok’s appointments into the district executive committee were unanimously endorsed without any contest. He appointed Oyat Richard Oloya (NRM) as his vice and will also serve as secretary finance and administration.
Abonga Francis Oyil (FDC), councilor Padibe East is the new secretary health and education; Susan Amito Oryem (NRM) female councilor Palabek Ogili is secretary works and technical services and Lakot Jennifer (NRM), female councilor Lokung is secretary production, marketing and natural resources.
Ogwok has also appointed himself to oversee the portfolio of the elderly, persons with disability and community based services.
The swearing in ceremony was also attended by out-gone LC5 chairman Ocen Mathew Akiya whom Ogwok commended for leading the pioneer council that laid the foundation for Lamwo.
The new chairman also gave an opportunity to the outgoing Chairman to address the new council, a gesture that was applauded by most in the audience including Resident District Commissioner Jonathan Rutabingwa ‘Omara’ who noted such show of peaceful handover of governments showed the “democratic credentials” that Lamwo has attained.
“In other places defeated or out-going leaders don’t even turn up for installation of their successors so for Akiya and former councilors to be here shows the level of maturity of politicians in Lamwo district,” Rutabingwa, said.
