Lira City Mayor Sam Atul has strongly defended the appointment of Fredrick Ogwal Oyee as the chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission. Mayor Atul stated clearly that the city leadership does not officially recognize Ogwal Oyee as the “Won Nyaci me Lango,” the Paramount Chief of Lango. He cautioned that any further hold-up in resolving the complaint against Ogwal Oyee could severely impact the city’s ability to hire new staff and move forward with major development projects.
These significant remarks were made on Monday, June 15, following a meeting at the Lira City Council headquarters. This gathering, organized by the Public Service Commission (PSC), was convened to investigate complaints challenging Ogwal Oyee’s appointment.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mayor Atul explained that Lira City authorities had thoroughly checked official records, including the Uganda Gazette, and found no information identifying Ogwal Oyee as the Paramount Chief of Lango. He further noted that Ogwal Oyee has never presented himself as the Won Nyaci me Lango to the city’s leaders, nor has he ever received the special protocol and recognition given to officially registered cultural leaders.
Mayor Atul also pointed out that the individuals who petitioned the Public Service Commission are supporters and staff members connected to Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune. Atul emphasized that Dr. Okune is, in fact, the officially recognized Won Nyaci me Lango.
The Mayor firmly asserted that, under the Local Government Act, local governments have the legal authority to appoint members to their service commissions. He reiterated his unwavering position that Lira City authorities do not recognize Ogwal Oyee as the Paramount Chief of Lango.
Mayor Atul expressed deep concern that delays in making a decision on this complaint could negatively affect the city’s operations, especially its crucial recruitment processes. He warned that funds specifically allocated for hiring new staff might have to be returned to the national treasury if the matter remains unresolved for too long. This, he added, could then reduce the city’s future funding for recruitment.
Even more critically, Atul highlighted that this ongoing dispute could jeopardize the entire Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program. Lira City has been earmarked a substantial sh91 billion under this program, which is vital for its growth and progress. This essential project, Atul explained, absolutely requires the recruitment of necessary personnel to advance.