The future of Lira City looks brighter than ever as Sam Atul officially stepped into his second term as Mayor, promising a season of transformation that will last until 2031. During a high profile swearing in ceremony held at the Lira City Council Hall, the atmosphere was thick with hope and determination. Presided over by Chief Magistrate Joe Fay Adoko, the event saw 16 council members take their oaths of office, marking the start of a unified mission to elevate the city to new heights.
In a powerful display of democratic strength, the council moved quickly to establish its leadership. Patrick Okwir of the NRM party successfully defended his position as Speaker of Council, securing a decisive victory in a spirited contest against Patrick Opio Olol. With the council behind him, Okwir immediately oversaw the unopposed election of Bena Awor, a dedicated representative for female youth, as the new Deputy Speaker. This blend of experienced leadership and fresh energy sets the stage for a government that truly understands the needs of its people.
Mayor Atul wasted no time in assembling a dream team to drive his agenda forward. He reappointed Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities, as his Deputy Mayor, a move that received unanimous support from the council. To ensure every sector of city life thrives, Atul handpicked a skilled executive committee. Judith Ageta will steer the city’s financial and economic planning, Geoffrey Bosco Ogwal will oversee critical infrastructure and works, and Musa Opio will take charge of the vital health and education departments.
What makes Atul’s leadership truly remarkable is his unwavering commitment to unity over partisan politics. In a bold move that prioritizes the city’s well being above party lines, he appointed two members of the UPC to his executive team. He made it clear that his administration is a big tent where everyone is welcome, stating that his goal is to build Lira City through collaboration rather than division. He believes that by working together, the city can overcome any obstacle.
The Mayor’s track record speaks for itself. During his first term, he performed a near miracle for the city’s economy, skyrocketing local revenue from 2 billion to 4.7 billion shillings. This financial boost allowed the city to invest in essential road machinery, upgrade its fleet of service vehicles, and dramatically improve public sanitation. Looking ahead, Atul is hungry for even more success. His primary goals for this new term include purchasing additional heavy machinery for road maintenance and ensuring that every citizen experiences top tier service delivery.
The ceremony was also a moment of celebration for the progress already made. Chief Magistrate Adoko honored Mayor Atul with a special medal, recognizing the incredible strides the city has taken under his guidance. Meanwhile, Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole challenged the newly minted leaders to keep their foot on the gas and accelerate the city’s development.
With a focus on the most vulnerable and the youth, Deputy Speaker Bena Awor reminded everyone why they serve, noting that her political journey is fueled by a desire to solve the everyday problems of her constituents. As this new administration begins its journey, the message to the people of Lira is clear: this is a government of action, a government of unity, and a government that will not stop until Lira City becomes a shining example of African urban excellence.