By Solomon Okello
Oyam, Uganda – Myene Sub County Chief’s Office in Oyam District is under intense scrutiny after reports emerged of outdated birth certificates being issued to residents, sparking outrage from local leaders and the community.
The controversy came to light on November 13, 2024, when Emmy Ogwang, a resident of Acimi Central in Acimi Parish, was issued an outdated birth certificate after paying 10,000 Ugandan shillings.
Walter Oceng, Acting Sub County Chief of Myene, expressed deep regret over the incident in a press statement issued on November 20, 2024.
“This is an unacceptable act carried out by an unidentified staff member. We are working diligently to identify and hold the perpetrator accountable,” Oceng said.
He assured the public that corrective measures would be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future, urging patience as investigations unfold.
James Ogwal, the LCIII Chairperson of Myene Sub County, strongly condemned the issuance of outdated certificates, describing it as both unprofessional and damaging to the reputation of the Sub County.
Adding to the criticism, Moses Meregurwa, Registration Officer for National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Oyam, issued a stern warning to public institutions charging fees for birth registration or notification.
He urged the public to report any instances of unauthorized charges to authorities for swift action.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents, who now question the integrity of public service delivery in Myene Sub County.
“This is unacceptable,” said one resident. “How can we trust the documents we receive if such errors are happening?”
The scandal has drawn attention to broader issues of accountability and transparency within local government offices.
Residents and leaders alike hope for swift justice and lasting reforms to restore trust in the Sub County administration as investigation continues.
