AMOLATAR – In a sweeping inaugural address punctuated by pledges to crush corruption and enforce merit-based employment, Morish Ogwal Omara was sworn in as the new District Chairperson of Amolatar on Thursday.
Presiding over the ceremony at Amolatar District Headquarters, Joe Fay Adoko, Chief Magistrate of Lira High Court, officiated the formal swearing-in, takeover, and handover of the district council, marking the beginning of a new administration anchored on transparency and teamwork.
Speaking immediately after taking the oath, Ogwal delivered a hardline stance against graft, identifying corruption as the single greatest obstacle to the district’s progress. He vowed to dismantle the practice of “selling jobs,” insisting that all public positions must be awarded strictly on merit.
“I will not tolerate it. People who qualify must get the job on merit, according to their qualities and qualifications,” Ogwal declared, calling on all councillors to unite in the fight against corruption.
Beyond governance reforms, the newly installed chairperson outlined a clear development agenda. He prioritized improved transport connectivity as the first pillar of his strategy, followed by commercial agriculture and value addition—aligning with the directives of the Head of State.
Ogwal also promised to upgrade the standard of education in Amolatar through collaboration with various stakeholders.
In a gesture aimed at healing political wounds from the recent polls, Ogwal extended an olive branch to rivals who did not vote for him.
“I ask those who didn’t vote for me to support me so I can deliver for them,” he said, urging all councillors and stakeholders to join hands. “Let us put the people of this district in our hearts first and move forward together in serving them.”
He reminded residents to forget the divisive election period, noting that “unity is the path to development.”
In a separate contest for the district speakership, Geoffrey Oyuku of Namasale Town Council emerged victorious, securing 23 votes. He defeated Patrick Emu Kawuma (1 vote), Okao Kizito (10 votes), Eve Nam Tyan (2 votes), and Ayuli Jimmy Okori (2 votes).
For deputy speaker, Appallo Naume won with 21 votes against Oyuku Kenneth, who received 16 votes.
Oyuku, the newly elected district speaker, echoed Ogwal’s unity message, cautioning residents against using elections as “tools of division.” He appealed directly to the local media to foster cohesion rather than divisionism, urging journalists to promote council activities and public engagement.
His message was direct: “Unity over division. Integrity over corruption.”
With Ogwal as District Chairperson and Oyuku as Speaker, Amolatar now has a new leadership duo promising transparency, unity, and accelerated development.
Ogwal closed the ceremony by thanking voters for their confidence and all stakeholders for their support. “Every day is about serving our people. I take my leave, but we will all stand firm to fight corruption.”
