Katakwi RDC calls on new district council to tackle cattle theft, corruption He stressed the urgency of addressing the ongoing problem of cattle theft by Karamojong warriors and emphasised the need to improve community welfare while avoiding corruption.
Katakwi district councilors swearing-in.
(Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu) __________________The resident district commissioner (RDC) for Katakwi, Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, has set a clear agenda for the newly sworn-in council of 44 members, including the LC5 chairperson.He stressed the urgency of addressing the ongoing problem of cattle theft by Karamojong warriors and emphasised the need to improve community welfare while avoiding corruption.During his address to the council, Ilemukorit specifically called for action against cattle rustling in the sub-counties of Ngariam, Palam and Okore, as well as parts of Magoro and Guyaguya, areas considered particularly vulnerable to the thefts.Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu speaking after swearing-in the new Katakwi DistrictcSpeaker Betty Abur Akumu.
(Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)He acknowledged that monthly security meetings had attempted to investigate the causes behind the rise in the incidents and encouraged the new council to remain vigilant against residents allegedly collaborating with the rustlers.”As security officers, we will take action.
It’s crucial for our councillors to guide our communities to refrain from such collaborations,” Ilemukorit stated.On community welfare, the RDC urged councillors to actively implement government programmes in their respective areas to uplift the district.
He cautioned that while constituents may seek financial assistance from councillors, leaders should instead promote available government initiatives and encourage sustainable income generation.Ilemukorit warned that increasing financial pressure from voters should not push councillors towards corruption or interference in contracts.He shared his experience as a former LC5 chairperson, recalling how residents would ask him for money, which he could not provide.
However, he said he was able to offer them milk from his cows instead.“A leader struggling financially is in distress, but that doesn’t justify theft; leaders must strive to enhance their living conditions through hard work,” he affirmed.The RDC encouraged the new councillors to focus on creating their own sources of income instead of succumbing to pressure to impress constituents without tangible results, noting that council resources are limited.Geofrey Omolo, the only LC5 chairperson in the Teso sub-region to retain his seat in the 2026 elections, echoed the RDC’s sentiments, saying that although progress had been made, the new term presents another opportunity to improve service delivery.
He urged councillors to prioritise teamwork and open dialogue while serving their communities.Omolo, a former secondary school teacher who first served as LC3 chairperson for Getom sub-county before becoming LC5 chairperson in 2016, also urged leaders to avoid unnecessary conflicts and political infighting that could derail progress and divide communities.He stressed that leadership is about collaboration and serving the needs of the people.“People did not elect us to battle among ourselves; they entrusted us with the responsibility to address their challenges and improve their livelihoods,” he said.During his address, Omolo emphasised the importance of prioritising service delivery, accountability and transparency while improving household incomes by placing the needs of Katakwi residents above personal ambitions.Katakwi district councilors swearing-in.
(Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)He noted that development goes beyond political affiliations, tribes, religions and clans.Omolo urged both political leaders and technical teams to embrace a culture of learning, consultation and knowledge-sharing to strengthen governance, noting that leadership is a continuous journey of growth.”We must stay open to new ideas and fundamental practices that have the potential to transform our district,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to implementing the NRM manifesto and initiatives aimed at wealth creation, poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.He also urged young people to avoid drug abuse, idleness and criminal activity, instead encouraging them to engage in productive ventures, skills development and entrepreneurship.
He called on communities to promote peaceful coexistence.As he begins his second term, Omolo pledged to serve with humility, transparency, integrity and unwavering dedication.The swearing-in ceremony took place at the district headquarters on April 16, 2026, and was presided over by Daniel Epobu, the chief magistrate overseeing Katakwi, Amuria and Kapelebyong districts.In selecting the district executive committee, the chairperson appointed four secretaries, one from each of the two counties of Toroma and Ngariam, and two representatives from Usuk County to ensure balanced representation.Since Omolo hails from Ngariam County, he appointed Aloysius Okello (NRM) from Toroma Sub-county as vice chairperson.The four secretaries included Frances Amongin (NRM) from Katakwi subcounty in Ngariam County, Raphael Mark Ojakal (FDC) from Usuk subcounty, and Justine Inaku (NRM) from Okulonyo subcounty, both in Usuk County.Omolo, the fourth LC5 chairperson for Katakwi district since its creation from Soroti in 1997, also indicated that he intends to maintain balance within the District Executive Committee (DEC) by reshuffling positions after two and a half years, as provided for by law.Harriet Faith Akwii, the deputy chief administrative officer, who oversaw the transition of power to the newly sworn-in district chairperson and speaker, urged the technical team to work closely with the new council to implement meaningful changes in the district and fulfil their mission.”While we may have had differences during the campaign, it’s crucial to set those aside and work as a unified team,” she advised.Akwii reminded the speaker of the significant responsibilities attached to the office, including making lawful resolutions and overseeing council affairs across the district.Betty Abur Akumu, an NRM female councillor representing Palam subcounty, was elected the new district speaker after securing 32 votes.
She defeated independent councillor Simon Peter Omer from Amusia subcounty, who received 11 votes.Her victory followed the withdrawal of Felisia Angela, also from the NRM and representing Katakwi town council, who stepped aside in the interest of party unity to allow Abur to contest as the party’s sole candidate.
Apart from Omolo, none of the previous district executive committee members retained their positions.During her first session presiding over council proceedings, Abur pledged to foster teamwork with the technical team, security personnel and the district chairperson to drive positive change in Katakwi.
She also urged fellow councillors to adopt a practical approach to resource allocation and move beyond political divisions for the benefit of the district.On security, Abur said the council would address the continued Karamojong cattle raids in its next meeting, noting the distress the incidents have caused residents.She also called for the immediate induction of all council members, noting that many, including herself, are new to their roles.In a show of party solidarity, NRM councillor Francis Xaviour Oduwan from Omodoi subcounty stepped aside, allowing Gilbert Akwang from Katakwi subcounty to be elected unopposed as deputy speaker.Tom Julius Ekudo, the former MP for Gweri County, said corruption must be eliminated for meaningful development to take root.
He urged chief administrative officers, councillors, the district chairperson and the speaker to work together in unity for the sake of progress.Okello, the newly appointed vice chairperson, pledged to work closely with the technical team and the council.
He said he would not undermine the LC5 chairperson and added that he would only consider contesting for the district chairperson position if Toroma District is created.Moses Ebiau, a voter, said the newly formed district executive committee appeared strategically constituted and capable of working effectively with the district chairperson to advance Katakwi’s development.Emmanuel Ononge, another resident, said he believed the district chairperson had been chosen to restore balance to the area’s leadership and expressed hope that the elected councillors would remain free from corruption.The new Katakwi District Council comprises 33 councillors from the NRM, nine independents, one from the FDC and one from the NUP.
Katakwi district council, cattle theft, Stephen Ilemukorit, Geofrey Omolo, local government, Uganda politics