Politics 30 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Soroti West Division Mayor Sacks Executives Over Budget Boycott
The mayor of Soroti City West Division has dismissed three executive committee members for skipping a crucial budget meeting in protest over unpaid allowances. New appointees were swiftly approved to keep council operations moving. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/soroti-division-leaders-axed-after-skipping-budget-meeting-5407960
Peter Patrick Emaru, the outgoing mayor of Soroti City West Division, has overhauled his executive team after key members boycotted a vital council session for laying the division’s budget.
The reshuffle targeted three officials: finance secretary Mariam Nejje Achan, replaced by Arapai Ward councillor Vincent Opio; health and education secretary Dilis Akulo, succeeded by Anna Rose Echolu; and works secretary Paul Elilu from Pamba Ward, who was ousted in favor of Silver Edoku from Senior Quarters Ward.
Deputy Mayor Joseph Ochen explained that the boycott stemmed from demands for unpaid emoluments of around Shs300,000 per member. Despite the mayor’s illness, he returned to issue dismissal letters and nominate replacements, praising the move as a firm stand against negligence.
The council, under Speaker Daniel Okello, approved the new team, who were sworn in with Deputy Town Clerk James Obore present, ensuring the budget process continued uninterrupted.
Former works secretary Paul Elilu justified the action as a protest over Shs1.7 million in total pending allowances, noting repeated failed attempts to engage the mayor and town clerk, especially after some lost recent elections. New appointee Silver Edoku expressed enthusiasm, viewing it as a chance to build leadership skills.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)