- Dispute Over LC Payments: Gulu City Mayor, Alfred Okwonga, and division mayors are at odds over payments to Local Council (LC) 1 and 2 members.
- Accusations of Blackmail and Mismanagement: Bar-dege-Layibi and Pece-Laroo divisions accuse Okwonga of political blackmail and mismanaging funds.
- Division Mayors Defend Record: Mayors Oola Patrick Lumumba and Geoffrey Otim claim they have remitted funds to LC members and criticize Okwonga’s leadership.
A contentious dispute has erupted between Gulu City Mayor, Alfred Okwonga, and division mayors over payments to Local Council (LC) 1 and 2 members. The Bar-dege-Layibi and Pece-Laroo divisions have accused Okwonga of political blackmail, claiming he has falsely accused them of withholding funds meant for LC members.
According to Oola Patrick Lumumba, Bar-dege-Layibi division mayor, his division has remitted money to all LC1 and LC2 members in the city divisions over the last three years. Lumumba alleges that Okwonga mobilized disgruntled LC members to demonstrate at the Bar-dege-Layibi division offices.
Pece-Laroo division Mayor Geoffrey Otim echoed Lumumba’s sentiments, stating that Okwonga has failed to provide leadership to the city council and is shifting blame onto the division mayors. Otim highlighted the division council’s accomplishments, including garbage collection and local revenue collection, which have contributed to Gulu City being named Uganda’s cleanest city.
In response, Okwonga vowed to investigate the local revenues sent to the divisions and demand accountability. However, Ms. Florence Atoo, LC1 of Kanyagoga A in Bar-dege-Layibi division, confirmed receiving her emolument from the division in August, as required by the local government act.
The dispute underscores tensions between the city mayor and division mayors, with each side accusing the other of mismanagement and obstruction.
