By Joshua Olomo
Kwania, Uganda | The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) of Kwania District, Robert Okwanga Alem, has challenged newly elected leaders in Chawente Sub-county to enact strong by-laws aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption, which he said remains a major contributor to poverty in communities.
Okwanga made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of the Chawente LCIII chairperson and 19 councillors representing six parishes and special interest groups in the sub-county.
He urged the leaders to prioritize mindset change and community transformation as part of efforts to support the government’s agenda of improving household incomes and reducing poverty levels.
“If people spend most of their productive time consuming alcohol, development becomes difficult to achieve. As leaders, you have the responsibility to come up with by-laws that promote positive behaviour change and support economic transformation,” Okwanga said.
He noted that local leaders have a critical role in helping communities move out of poverty through effective leadership, community mobilisation and enforcement of development-oriented policies.
The councillors sworn in represent the parishes of Adograo, Alido, Atule, Ajar, Apolika and Abapiri, alongside representatives of special interest groups.
During the ceremony, Chawente Senior Assistant Secretary, Felix Ambrose Yine, formally handed over public assets and office responsibilities to the incoming LCIII chairperson. He urged the new leadership to safeguard government property and work closely with technical staff to improve service delivery.
Yine highlighted key public assets in the sub-county, including schools, health facilities, landing sites and government land, saying their proper management is essential for sustainable development.
Kwania District Vice Chairperson and LCV Councillor for Chawente Sub-county, James Okol, said Chawente remains one of the district’s leading local governments in revenue generation due to its vibrant economic activities.
He cited fishing, livestock rearing, commercial farming and trade as major contributors to local revenue and called on the new councillors to strengthen oversight and promote initiatives that can further boost local economic development.
Okol pledged support to the new council and urged leaders to work together irrespective of political affiliation to ensure effective service delivery.
Meanwhile, the newly elected Speaker of Chawente Sub-county Council, George Otim, called for unity and mutual respect among political and technical leaders.
Otim thanked councillors for entrusting him with the position and pledged to preside over council business in accordance with the law. He also announced the election of Adero Tabisa, the female youth councillor, as Deputy Speaker.
The newly sworn-in LCIII Chairperson, Robson Opoka, pledged to focus his administration on education, production, marketing, health and sanitation during his five-year term.
He also appealed to the central government to increase funding to the area, citing the sub-county’s untapped tourism and natural resource potential.
“Chawente has valuable natural attractions, including Lake Kwania, the Agwiciri Hills and Alido Prayer Mountain, which can contribute significantly to local economic development if properly supported,” Opoka said.
In line with the Local Governments Act, Opoka appointed Susan Amuge, councillor for Ajar Parish, as Vice Chairperson. Other appointments included Charles Nelson Ebong as Secretary for Health and Education, Vincent Opio as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, and Ongwen Ali Pacotoo as Secretary for Works and Technical Services.
Chawente is one of five local governments located along the shores of Lake Kwania. The sub-county hosts two landing sites, six parishes, two government health facilities and seven government-aided primary schools, in addition to several tourism attractions that leaders believe can drive future economic growth.
