Soroti bishop urges new local leaders to uphold integrity in jobs, contracts
Bishop Odongo expressed concern over rising levels of corruption within some local governments.
Amuria LC5 Chairperson, Isaac Okello Omiat, dancing during his thanksgiving ceremony on July 25, 2026. (Photos by Delux Emmy Alomu)
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The Bishop of Soroti Anglican Diocese, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, has urged newly elected local government leaders to refrain from engaging in corrupt practices during job recruitment, contract awards and the implementation of government programmes.
During his sermon at a thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected Amuria district LC5 chairperson, Isaac Okello Omiat, in Opadoi village, Abarilela subcounty on July 25, 2026, Bishop Odongo expressed concern over rising levels of corruption within some local governments.
He noted that the trend has deprived ordinary citizens of services intended to benefit them.
Bishop Odongo highlighted that some leaders reportedly demand kickbacks during contract awards, particularly for road projects, while others request substantial sums of money to secure government jobs.
He recounted a troubling encounter where a request for sh10m was made to facilitate the recruitment of his daughter, a qualified nurse, at a local health facility. Odongo emphasised that such practices hinder national development.
The bishop also cited instances of leaders being implicated in the mismanagement of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and government restocking programmes. He called on local leaders to strictly follow the law and ensure resources intended for communities genuinely reach those in need.
He also appealed to those involved in recruitment processes to avoid placing undue pressure on job seekers, advocating for a peaceful working environment where trust is fostered. The Bishop reminded everyone that when leaders work in harmony, constituents also experience peace and can benefit from government initiatives.
In his remarks, Omiat committed to serving marginalised members of society, pledging to improve road conditions and advocate for an increase in the wage bill to recruit more healthcare workers and teachers, thereby strengthening health and education services.
He encouraged anyone who has been deceived in exchange for job opportunities to report such incidents to him and cautioned the community against coercing those involved in recruitment processes to accept bribes.
"I will ensure that any individual implicated in corruption faces the law, especially when reliable evidence comes to light," he asserted.
Omiat also emphasised that he would not allow recruitment based on unnecessary experience requirements.
Bob Owiny, the Soroti district LC5 chairperson, expressed gratitude for Omiat's election and affirmed his commitment to working with him to improve essential services such as roads, healthcare centres and schools shared by both districts.
According to Owiny, this year's budget includes a proposal to grade the Atirir-Achuna-Orungo road at a cost of sh1b. Additionally, the Corner Clerk-Tubur town council-Okolero-Amuria and Anyolo road, stretching from Temele-Adamasiko-Tubur town council to Achuna-Orungo in Amuria, will be developed with a budget of sh4b.
Owiny also secured sh700m for the construction of an outpatient department and a general ward at Achuna Health Centre. The facilities will serve residents of both Soroti and Amuria districts.
He emphasised the need to serve all constituents equally, setting aside political differences, and called for collaboration to help community members access government programmes such as the PDM and cattle rehabilitation initiatives.
The Soroti chairperson warned that anyone found misappropriating funds meant for these programmes should face legal consequences.
Community members, including Grace Akello, Deborah Atim, Norah Idiangu, Paul Okello and Stella Rose Agoe, expressed gratitude for having a leader guided by strong moral values. They expressed hope for improvements in education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture and infrastructure.
“We want him to treat and care for everyone equally. Given the prolonged dry spell, we need seeds and services that reach the poorest in our villages,” they stated.