Amolatar, Uganda | Leaders in Amolatar District have called for unity and accelerated development following the conclusion of the district leadership 2026 elections, with key concerns raised over infrastructure, health services and challenges facing fishing communities.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony organised by Morish Ogwal Omara, Amolatar District Local Government Chairperson, at Adwala Primary School in Abongomit Parish, Awelo Sub-county on Friday, leaders emphasized the need for collective efforts to transform the district.
Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, Kioga County Member of Parliament, said Amolatar still lacks critical services and infrastructure, citing the delayed tarmacking of the Namasale–Ocero–Dokolo road and the need to upgrade Amolatar Health Centre IV to a General Hospital.
Kiring also highlighted growing concerns among fishing communities following the enforcement of new fishing regulations. He noted that fishermen are now restricted to a limited number of boats, with guidelines allowing only 30 boats per landing site compared to more than 100 previously.
He said the district leadership and central government must work together to address the concerns of fishermen, arguing that the government should provide adequate time and financial support to help communities adjust to the new regulations.
The legislator further called for amendments to the Fish and Aquaculture Act, saying some provisions were passed without sufficient consultation with fishermen. He argued that the law should be made clearer to the fishermen because some amendments were introduced without involving them.
Kiring added that the proposed fish processing plant project under the Lira University College of Agriculture and Marine Science has the potential to transform the district economically if Parliament approves funding for the USD 1 million initiative.
In his remarks, Ogwal Omara pledged to strengthen collaboration from Parliament to lower local governments to improve service delivery and cooperation with the Fisheries Protection Unit.
The district chairperson also warned against corruption in recruitment processes within the district, saying his administration would not tolerate members of the District Service Commission soliciting money from job seekers.
He revealed that strategies had already been put in place to deal with individuals tarnishing the image of the district through corrupt practices and emphasized that no one should pay money to secure a government job in Amolatar District.
Francis Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, Amolatar Resident District Commissioner, urged residents to forgive one another after the elections and focus on development.
He noted that politics had ended and residents should come together to build the district despite differences that may have emerged during the campaign period.
Senior Liaison Officer at Uganda Development Cooperative, John Francis Ongia, who is also a former Kioga County parliamentary candidate, called on residents to put aside political divisions and work together for the progress of the district.
Ongia expressed optimism that the district would witness significant transformation under Ogwal Omara’s leadership.
Daniel Kizza, Clan Chief of Pedicungkal, also appealed for unity, saying the recently concluded political season had divided communities, and leaders should now focus on reconciliation and development.
Ogwal Omara held the thanksgiving ceremony a day after he was sworn in as the Amolatar DLG Chairperson.
