Religious leaders asked to intervene in Lira city, district squabbles

By Denis Ongora (denis.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Minister of health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has asked religious leaders to intervene into the wrangles over property between Lira city and Lira district leaders.

Dr. Aceng made the call over the weekend during the distribution of iron sheets to Truth Evangelistic Fountain church, Lira city east division.

Dr. Aceng said the squabbles are stifling development in the two administrative units.

Aceng tasked the chairperson, Lira pastors and elders fellowship, Johnson Ogema and Bishop of Truth Fountain, Rev. Dr. James Okalo Ekwang to summon Lira city mayor, Sam Atul, Lira RCC, Lawrence Egole and Lira district chairman RCM Okello Orik to mediate the impasse.

Effort to speak to both Pastor Ogema and Rev. Dr. James Okalo Ekwang was futile by press time.

Lira city secretary for finance James Omara Elem expressed hope that the ongoing wrangles between the duo administrative units will be resolved.

Recently, Lira city west division speaker, Daniel Okello and Lira city east division speaker Daniel Alyela called for mediation between Lira city and district.

Lira district vice chairman, Bonny Omara welcomed any mediation process to bring to an end the standoff but Lira city Mayor Sam Atul expressed reservation with the same, saying mediation can only go on if Lira district identifies the property it plans to handover to Lira city.