Job creation tops mayor Okello’s agenda in Bardege-Layibi

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Newly sworn-in Bardege-Layibi Division mayor Patrick Okello has pledged to prioritise job creation, infrastructure development and improved service delivery as he begins his five-year term in office.

Okello, who was sworn in on May 20, 2026, alongside councillors for the 2026-2031 term, said unemployment among young people remains one of the biggest drivers of insecurity in the division and promised to focus on creating opportunities through small-scale industries and local economic activities.

The mayor, who subscribes to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), said his administration will prioritise expanding road infrastructure, improving schools and creating jobs for residents in a bid to boost livelihoods and reduce crime.

According to Okello, many youths become involved in insecurity because they are idle and lack employment opportunities. He said creating petty industries would help keep them productive and engaged in meaningful work.

Felix Adonyo, the Speaker of Bardege-Layibi division being given instruments of power by the town clerk. (Photo by David Magere)

“I have come to office to deliver service to the people, and I am optimistic that this council shall work together in achieving that,” Okello said during his maiden speech as mayor.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the division headquarters and was officiated by Gulu Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule Koma, who presided over the event until the election of the speaker.

Former mayor Patrick Lumumba Oola, who led the division under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) from 2016 to 2026 before later joining the NRM, urged the new leadership to focus on programmes that promote wealth creation and development.

Oola warned leaders against engaging in internal conflicts and unnecessary divisions that could derail service delivery and development efforts.

Similarly, newly sworn-in Gulu city mayor Julius Acire Labeja, who assumed office on May 19, 2026, called for unity among leaders to improve service delivery.

Acire also stressed the need to fight corruption, saying it continues to frustrate and slow development.

Mayor's cabinet chosen

Okello used the occasion to unveil his cabinet for the next five years, including his deputy mayor and departmental secretaries.

He named Joyce Acan as deputy mayor, while Agness Akello, the Councillor IV for Bardege Ward, was appointed Secretary for Administration, Finance and Planning.

Angela Teddy Anyango, the councillor IV for Patuda ward, was named secretary for social and community-based services, while Sally Opiyo, the representative for Paminano ward, was appointed secretary for works, production and technical services.

Speaker and deputy elected

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the chief magistrate presided over the election of the speaker, after which the newly elected speaker oversaw the election of the deputy speaker.

The race for speaker was contested between Felix Adonyo, who stood as an Independent Democratic Party (IDP) candidate after failing to secure the NRM flag, and Angela Teddy Anyango, the official NRM candidate.

Adonyo won the contest after securing 18 votes against Anyango’s 12 from a total of 30 votes cast by the 29 councillors and the mayor.

Brian Openyerwot was later elected deputy speaker after defeating Kenneth Lakareber Acet by 17 votes to 12. The speaker did not vote in the election because he presided over the process.