Apac, Uganda | Calls to fight corruption and improve accountability dominated the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Apac District leaders, with political and administrative leaders warning that bribery and abuse of office continue to undermine service delivery in local governments.
The remarks were made on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Apac District Local Government leadership at Boma Grounds in Apac District.
Peter Obong Acuda, Maruzi County Member of Parliament, described corruption in Uganda as a deeply rooted vice that has become institutionalized within government systems.
Acuda argued that anti-corruption efforts remain selective and ineffective, saying many people have grown up benefiting from corrupt systems, making the vice difficult to eliminate.
Drawing from his experience as a former district councillor and district speaker, the legislator called for the introduction of a computerized recruitment system similar to those used in European countries to eliminate bribery and favoritism in public service recruitment. He blamed manual recruitment processes for entrenching corruption in government institutions.
At the same function, Betty Engola, Apac District Woman Member of Parliament, urged the new district leadership to prioritize service delivery, accountability and unity, describing the transition as a historic “change of guards” for Apac District.
Engola called for the recruitment of local residents into district jobs and the awarding of tenders to local contractors to boost local economic development. She further emphasized the need for strong council oversight to curb abuse of office and misuse of public resources, including government vehicles.
The ceremony marked the official swearing-in of Ambrose Agech as the new LCV Chairperson of Apac DLG by Lira Chief Magistrate HW Joe Fay Adoko.
During the handover ceremony, Chief Administrative Officer Olaboro Emmy Ejuku pledged full support from the district technical team and urged leaders to put aside political differences in order to improve service delivery and implementation of government programmes.
Ejuku handed over instruments of authority, including the Constitution, Local Governments Act, district stamp, official reports, and office keys. He also handed over a newly procured government vehicle from the Ministry of Local Government to facilitate service delivery in the district.
In his inaugural speech, Agech vowed not to tolerate corruption in the recruitment of government workers, warning that no applicant would be required to pay money to secure a public job.
He also warned corrupt civil servants and leaders to leave office, saying his administration would work with all elected councillors without discrimination regardless of political affiliation.
George KK Akaca, LCV Chairperson of Kwania DLG, echoed similar sentiments and warned that both those paying bribes and officials receiving money during recruitment processes would face arrest in his district.
Agech appointed Charles Hilton Ogang as Vice Chairperson of Apac DLG, Robson Atigo as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Joyce Akullo Adoko as Secretary for Works, Production and Technical Services, and Jasper Odongo as Secretary for Social and Community Based Services.
Meanwhile, Oscar Ogwang was elected Speaker of Apac DLG after defeating Sam Opira, while Apio Jane was unopposed as Deputy Speaker.
In his remarks, Oscar Ogwang, the Speaker of Apac DLG, pledged to lead the district council with integrity, professionalism, and fairness.
Ogwang said the council would uphold accountability, transparency, and the rule of law while addressing challenges affecting residents, including poor roads, weak health services, youth unemployment, education, and access to clean water.
Apac Resident District Commissioner Andrew Onyuk urged leaders to work in unity and serve residents without discrimination.
Onyuk reiterated the government’s anti-corruption campaign, declaring: “Kisanja, no sleep, Kisanja, no corruption.”
He appealed to political leaders, technical staff, and security agencies to work together to ensure effective implementation of government programmes and socio-economic transformation in the district.
