Lira Central Park LC1 chairperson Eyen Moses has expressed concern over the release of suspects arrested over alleged criminal activities in the area, saying the practice undermines efforts by local leaders and residents to fight crime.
Eyen raised the concern on Saturday during a Thanksgiving ceremony he organised to appreciate residents of Central Park for re-electing him as LC1 chairperson for a second term.
He said he was grateful for the confidence residents had placed in him and described his second term as another opportunity to serve the community and address challenges affecting residents.
However, Eyen said he was frustrated by what he described as the frequent release of suspects handed over to police.
According to Eyen, police sometimes release suspects on grounds that complainants have not come forward or completed the required procedures.
He said this has made it difficult for local leaders to effectively address criminal activities in the area.
Eyen added that in some cases, he personally records statements to ensure that their concerns are formally documented.
The LC1 chairperson also raised concern over the activities of some religious groups operating in the area.
He said he had not allowed what he described as “false churches” to operate in Central Park, arguing that some of them could promote hatred and confusion within the community.
Eyen did not specify the churches or groups he was referring to.
The Thanksgiving ceremony also brought together cultural and community leaders, who urged Eyen and residents to work together during his second term.
Willy Omodo Omodo, Speaker of the Lango Cultural Institution, who represented the Won Nyaci as chief guest, said elected leaders should serve everyone regardless of their voting preferences.
Omodo said leadership should be viewed as a responsibility to the entire community and urged residents to cooperate with Eyen even if they did not support him during the elections.
He also encouraged Eyen to work with all residents and avoid discrimination in delivering services.
Francis Ogwal, Deputy Awitong of Palamyek clan, to which Eyen belongs, thanked the people of Central Park for giving him another mandate.
Ogwal called on residents to closely work with Eyen to promote peace, security and development in the area.
He urged the LC1 chairperson to remain close to God, saying his re-election was an indication that he still had a role to play in the community.
Ogwal also asked Eyen to respect the people he leads and use his second term to accomplish what remained unfinished from his first term.
The ceremony was organised as a thanksgiving to appreciate Central Park residents for entrusting Eyen with the LC1 office for a second consecutive term.