Newly installed Kitgum district LC5 chairperson, Omona Jackson, has appointed a team of district executive committee that has been generally hailed as “strong”.
Omona made the widely anticipated appointments shortly after he and 26 district councilors were sworn in on Wednesday by Kitgum Chief Magistrate, Gaudensio Okongo Japyem.
The nomination of each proposed name attracted loud cheers and ululations from the audience parked inside district council hall to witness the nomination. All the nominations were endorsed by the new council without any opposition.
Omona appointed Odongkara Gaston Billy Graham (UPC), councilor for Pager Division in Kitgum municipality, as his vice. The veteran politician had served before in the same position under former LC5 chairman Nahaman Ojwe.
Komakech Walter Oyoo (NRM), councilor representing Kitgum Matidi is the new secretary for works and technical services while Amono Jennifer Opira (NRM), female councilor for Pager and Central Division is secretary health, education and community based services.
Aturu Abraham Balmoi (Independent), Orom sub-county representative, took the post of secretary production, marketing and natural resources.
The new Chairman allotted himself the vital post of secretary finance and administration.
He explained that in making the appointments of the excutives, he considered competence. He cautioned his appointees that they will only continue to retain their portfolios for as long as they deliver as expected.
Earlier, the council elected Loum Simon Peter (FDC), councilor Central Division as Speaker of the new council. Loum beat the now former district speaker and Mucwini councilor Oguti Geoffrey (NRM) with just one vote in a hotly contested race. Loum got 14 votes against Oguti’s 13.
The swearing in ceremony and election of Speaker was also attended by several leaders from across Acholi sub-region including Aruu South MP Samuel Odonga Otto; his Aruu North counterpart Aciro Lucy Otim; Kitgum municipal MP Atim Beatrice Anywar and Chua West MP Okin P.P Ojara.
Also in attendance were Gulu and Lamwo LC5 chairpersons; Ojara Martin Mapenduzi and Komakech John Ogwok, respectively.