Lira, Uganda – Lira City Council has acquired a grader to improve the city’s road network, a move aimed at addressing long-standing complaints about poor infrastructure.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on March 26, 2025, at Lira Mayor’s Garden, Mayor Sam Atul assured residents that the machine would be used for grading and rehabilitating damaged roads.
However, the procurement has sparked controversy, with allegations that funds meant for the grader’s purchase may have been mismanaged.
Atul strongly dismissed the claims and warned journalists and councilors against spreading what he called false reports.
“I will arrest any journalist or councilor who spreads lies that I stole the money for the grader. They will face me in court,” Atul declared.
Lira City Speaker Patrick Okwir backed the mayor, saying that some leaders were spreading rumors in churches, bars, and on the streets, accusing the city’s leadership of embezzlement.
“Mayor Atul, Finance Secretary James Omara Elem, and I have been falsely accused of taking the money meant for the grader. These allegations are completely baseless,” Okwir stated.
City Clerk Vincent Okurut clarified that UGX 565 million has already been paid, while the remaining balance of over UGX 1 billion will be cleared in installments.
Steven Odongo, Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City East Division, urged leaders to focus on development instead of accusations, emphasizing the need for peace and unity.
“As security teams in Lira City, we want peace, development, and progress. Leaders must work together to build the city instead of fueling unnecessary conflicts,” Odongo said.
Mayor Atul announced that the grader will be officially commissioned soon, with Minister for Local Government Raphael Magezi as the chief guest.
Lira City leaders say they are committed to improving roads now that the grader is in place, but public skepticism over the transparency of the procurement process remains high.