Lira, Uganda | Sam Atul has officially been sworn in for a second term as Mayor of Lira City, pledging to focus on unity, service delivery and infrastructure development during his new tenure that runs until 2031.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Lira City Council Hall and presided over by Joe Fay Adoko. A total of 16 councillors also took oath during the event.
Adoko later presided over the election of the Speaker of Council, where Patrick Okwir of the NRM retained his seat for a second term after defeating UPC’s Patrick Opio Olol in a tightly contested vote.
Okwir secured 10 votes against Olol’s five, while one ballot was declared invalid.
Moments after his re-election, Okwir chaired proceedings for the election of the Deputy Speaker, where Female Youth Councillor Bena Awor went through unopposed.
Mayor Atul later appointed Rebecca Alwedo Ogole, the councillor representing persons with disabilities, as Deputy Mayor for a second consecutive term. Her appointment was unanimously seconded by councillors.
Using powers vested in his office, Atul also named his executive team, appointing Judith Ageta as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Geoffrey Bosco Ogwal as Secretary for Works, and Musa Opio as Secretary for Health, Education and Welfare.
In his address, Atul highlighted achievements registered during his first term, including increasing the city’s annual local revenue collection from sh2 billion to sh4.7 billion, purchasing road maintenance machinery, acquiring two double-cabin pickups and improving sanitation in the city.
He said the new administration would prioritise acquisition of additional road maintenance equipment and strengthening service delivery across the city.
Atul emphasised that his leadership would remain inclusive and free from political division, noting that two of the three secretaries appointed to his executive were members of the UPC.
“My leadership does not segregate. We want to work together for the development of Lira City regardless of political affiliation,” Atul said, while urging the appointed leaders to serve diligently.
Speaker Okwir called for unity among councillors, saying division would only derail the city’s development agenda.
“I want a council that is united and focused on transforming Lira City,” Okwir said.
Chief Magistrate Adoko commended Atul for what he described as remarkable progress made during the mayor’s first term and awarded him a medal in recognition of his contribution to the city’s development.
Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner, urged the newly sworn-in leaders to remain committed to their responsibilities and work towards accelerating development in the city.
Deputy Speaker Awor said her decision to join politics was driven by the desire to address challenges affecting residents, especially the youth and vulnerable groups.
“I joined politics because I want to find solutions to the problems our people are facing, from the youth to the elderly,” she said.
