Politics
Councillors detain Bukedea town clerk over market contract
Furious councillors also accused the town clerk of failure to convene a meeting to discuss the contract. Early Friday, the group "raided" the premises and placed a padlock on the office, thereby holding Opolot and other staff hostage.
Councillors detain Bukedea town clerk over market contract
By: David Opus, Journalist @New Vision
BUKEDEA - Furious Bukedea councillors on Friday afternoon locked the town clerk, Johnson Opolot, inside his office, accusing him of attempting to extend the contract with Orongat contractors and market vendors.
It is reported that the group's contract to collect all market dues in Bukedea cattle market expired on Tuesday, June 30th.
Furious councillors also accused the town clerk of failure to convene a meeting to discuss the contract. Early Friday, the group "raided" the premises and placed a padlock on the office, thereby holding Opolot and other staff hostage.
The group demanded that the town clerk formally grant councillors permission to access the market and inspect the complex.
William Elungat, an elder in the council, blamed the town leadership for betrayal.
The group demanded that the town clerk formally grant councillors permission to access the market and inspect the complex.
William Elungat, an elder in the council, blamed the town leadership for betrayal.
Whereas he acknowledged outstanding dues which he pledged to remit, Samuel Okimat, chairperson of Orongat contractors, confirmed that his firm's contract had been extended for another two months.
The confrontation, which almost lasted four hours, was opened for the clerk after him bowing to their requests.
Samuel Engole, Bukedea town mayor, revealed that the release followed the intervention of senior officials of the Ministry of Local Government. He did not give any names.
Attempts to get comments from the outgoing CAO, Luyimbazi James, were futile as he declined to pick his calls.
The confrontation, which almost lasted four hours, was opened for the clerk after him bowing to their requests.
Samuel Engole, Bukedea town mayor, revealed that the release followed the intervention of senior officials of the Ministry of Local Government. He did not give any names.
Attempts to get comments from the outgoing CAO, Luyimbazi James, were futile as he declined to pick his calls.