RDC directs Katakwi district officials to closely supervise govt projects

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The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, has directed civil servants and political leaders in the district to actively supervise government projects.

He said lax oversight and personal interests have often resulted in underutilised and misused funds being sent back to the government coffers at the end of the financial year.

Ilemukorit made the remarks during a thanksgiving ceremony and end-of-year celebration held at the district headquarters on Saturday (December 20).

The former Katakwi district chairperson said there is now a significant budget available for the district, and he expects leaders to utilise it effectively by sticking to their budget plans.

“Even with available funds, many leaders fail to supervise project progress because personal interests lead them to award themselves contracts. This complication contributes to the inability to absorb the allocated funds.”

The RDC said he will not hesitate to call out poor service delivery.

“Sometimes, I notice district staff who are absolutely intoxicated, more so than those without formal education, which raises concerns. Residents end up mocking them because they recognise these individuals as district employees." 

Ilemukorit also represented Vice-President Jessica Alupo as the chief guest at the function.

In her message, Alupo, who is also the Katakwi district Woman MP and contributed 10 million shillings to support the district celebration, urged all leaders to prioritise the district's welfare and to celebrate Christmas responsibly by steering clear of excessive alcohol and drugs. 

Rt. Rev. Johnson Kityo, who heads the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness in Uganda, led a heartfelt session of thanksgiving prayers.

She cautioned that alcohol often leads to promiscuity, which can cause conflicts in families.

She advised parents to safeguard their children, particularly adolescents, ensuring they return to school ready for the new academic year.

Relatedly, Ilemukorit urged parents to work hard to generate school fees instead of burdening politicians to help them in this context, which he said fuels the spirit of corruption.

'Church has role in freeing Uganda of corruption'

Rt. Rev. Johnson Kityo, who heads the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness in Uganda, led a heartfelt session of thanksgiving prayers.

He expressed concern that many leaders, entrusted with the responsibility to implement laws, are often themselves involved in the very corruption that plagues the nation. 

He urged leaders, whom he described as having been divinely appointed to serve the nation, to embrace a genuine fear of God in their hearts and reminded them that they will ultimately be held accountable before the Lord for their actions and conduct throughout their years in leadership.

Kityo emphasised that leadership is a sacred trust from God, and those in power should work diligently to promote His interests.

Speaking on the significance of adhering to both the Ugandan constitution and biblical teachings, the cleric encouraged leaders to repent and turn away from sin.

Kityo said that for Uganda to become free of corruption, the Church must take the lead through persistent prayer. He admitted, though, that even within the Church itself, corruption exists.

Reflecting on past successes, current district chairperson Geoffrey Omolo highlighted significant progress in infrastructure and various development projects within the district. 

He spoke of the construction of one of the finest district chambers and efforts to address staffing, now achieving more than a 45 percent increase.

Omolo also said Katakwi has secured a wage of eight billion shillings, half of which has been earmarked for secondary recruitment.

He also acknowledged challenges in recruitment due to wage constraints and bureaucratic processes.

He said the terms of two district service commission members expired in August, with two nominees, Hellen Oluka and Sylvester Ocaatum, still awaiting approval for regularising recruitment.

In a moment of reflection guided by the archbishop, Omolo, representing all civil servants, sought forgiveness from God for sins of immorality, corruption, and a lack of commitment to their responsibilities.

Looking ahead to 2026, Katakwi principal human resource officer Rita Apio rallied civil servants and political leaders to maintain the collaborative energy and optimism that have characterised their efforts.