Lira, Uganda | Lira City Mayor Sam Atul has defended the appointment of Fredrick Ogwal Oyee as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission, arguing that the city leadership does not recognise him as Won Nyaci me Lango and warning that delays in resolving a petition against him could affect staff recruitment and implementation of major development projects.
Atul made the remarks on Monday, June 15, after a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Lira City Council headquarters to investigate complaints challenging Ogwal Oyee’s appointment.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Atul said city authorities had examined the Uganda Gazette and found no record identifying Ogwal Oyee as the Paramount Chief of Lango.
He added that at no time had Ogwal Oyee presented himself to the city leadership as Won Nyaci me Lango or received the official protocol accorded to a gazetted cultural leader.
Atul further alleged that the individuals who petitioned the Public Service Commission were supporters and protocol officials attached to Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, whom he described as the gazetted Won Nyaci me Lango.
The mayor maintained that under the Local Government Act, local governments are mandated to appoint members of service commissions and reiterated that city authorities do not recognise Ogwal Oyee as the Paramount Chief of Lango.
He expressed concern that delays in determining the petition could negatively affect city operations, particularly recruitment processes.
According to Atul, funds earmarked for staff recruitment risk being returned to the Consolidated Fund if the matter remains unresolved for a prolonged period, which could in turn affect future allocations.
He also warned that the dispute could jeopardise implementation of the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme, under which Lira City has been allocated about sh91 billion.
Atul said the project requires the recruitment of at least 13 staff members through the City Service Commission before implementation can commence.
The PSC inquiry follows a petition filed on May 4, 2026, by Ogwang Tony Oming and Ogile Philips through M/S Ssekayewa, Matovu and Company Advocates.
The petition challenges the recommendation, approval and appointment of Ogwal Oyee as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission, arguing that it contravenes the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2023.
The petitioners contend that Ogwal Oyee became the de facto Won Nyaci me Lango following the death of the late Yosam Odur Ebii and has since performed functions associated with the office, including presiding over cultural ceremonies, coronating clan leaders and appointing ministers.
They argue that holding both positions could create a conflict of interest and undermine the independence required of a service commission chairperson responsible for overseeing public service recruitment and disciplinary matters.
The petitioners are seeking the nullification of the appointment and a fresh recruitment process conducted in accordance with the law.
Earlier this month, Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation supporting Ogwal Oyee, dismissed the petition, saying the matter would be determined by the relevant legal authorities.
Ocen maintained that Ogwal Oyee is serving his second term as chairperson of the commission and suggested that the petition was intended to attract public attention.
The Public Service Commission is expected to review submissions from all parties before issuing its findings on the matter.
Efforts to obtain comments from the petitioners after Monday’s meeting were unsuccessful as repeated telephone calls went unanswered.