News
Soroti LC leaders warned against charging residents for govt services
Newly sworn-in LC1 and LC2 leaders in Soroti City East Division have been urged to uphold integrity, accountability and effective service delivery as they begin their tenure.
LC1 and LC2 leaders of Central Ward in Soroti City East take oath of office. (Courtesy)
By: Juliet Akello, Journalist @New Vision
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Newly sworn-in local council leaders in Soroti City East Division have been warned against corruption, with officials cautioning them against selling government stamps or demanding money from residents seeking public services.
Assistant resident city commissioner for Soroti City East Division, Blessing Saiga, issued the warning on August 26, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of 83 LC1 chairpersons and 13 LC2 leaders.
Saiga urged the leaders to serve residents with integrity, commitment and love, stressing that corruption would not be tolerated at the grassroots level.
“There is no room for corruption in your leadership. Serve the people with integrity and ensure they get the services they deserve,” Saiga told the leaders.
She cautioned the newly elected officials against exploiting residents who approach them for government services, urging them to always put community interests first.
The ceremony also highlighted growing participation by women in grassroots leadership, with nine women among the 83 LC1 chairpersons sworn in.
Town clerk Francis Mpewo, who presided over the ceremony, challenged the new leaders to promote accountability by holding regular community meetings and keeping proper records.
Mpewo also urged the leaders to understand the cases that fall within their mandate and ensure that all residents are treated equally and without discrimination.
The ceremony also highlighted growing participation by women in grassroots leadership, with nine women among the 83 LC1 chairpersons sworn in.
Town clerk Francis Mpewo, who presided over the ceremony, challenged the new leaders to promote accountability by holding regular community meetings and keeping proper records.
Mpewo also urged the leaders to understand the cases that fall within their mandate and ensure that all residents are treated equally and without discrimination.
Soroti City East Division mayor Abdul Latif called on the leaders to remain close to the people who elected them.
He warned against a tendency among some leaders to distance themselves from residents after assuming office.
Latif further urged the leaders to work towards improving the welfare of residents, particularly as many households continue to face economic hardships.
Among those sworn in was Florence Okee, popularly known as Lady Tisha, the newly elected LC1 chairperson for Cell F.
Okee said her leadership would focus on strengthening community security, fighting Owokwok criminal youth gangs and mobilising residents to benefit from government programmes.
The officials said accountable grassroots leadership, community engagement and effective service delivery will be key to improving the welfare of residents across Soroti City East Division.
He warned against a tendency among some leaders to distance themselves from residents after assuming office.
Latif further urged the leaders to work towards improving the welfare of residents, particularly as many households continue to face economic hardships.
Among those sworn in was Florence Okee, popularly known as Lady Tisha, the newly elected LC1 chairperson for Cell F.
Okee said her leadership would focus on strengthening community security, fighting Owokwok criminal youth gangs and mobilising residents to benefit from government programmes.
The officials said accountable grassroots leadership, community engagement and effective service delivery will be key to improving the welfare of residents across Soroti City East Division.