Lira City West Division Acting Mayor to serve until end of term

By Isaac Okello (isaac.okello@vol.co.ug)

Lira

The Town Clerk of Lira City Council,Theophilas Tibihika has confirmed the acting mayor of Lira city west division, Rose Ongom who will remain in office till 2026.

Lira City West Division mayoral seat fell vacant following the death of the division mayor, Ogwal Achonga last year.

Michael Ogwal Achonga breathed last after battling with cancer as revealed by close sources from Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Achonga served as the Major of Ojwina Division before Lira Municipality became a city. He was elected Mayor of Lira City West Division in 2021 as an independent candidate.

Speaking at the confirmation meeting held at Lira City Council, Tibihika said Rose Ongom was already sworn in as deputy mayor, a reason she cannot be subjected to fresh swearing in.

The speaker of Lira City Council, Patrick Okwir said the local government act section 18 (5) dictates that the division deputy mayors would take over the office of the mayors in case of death until a by-election is held within 60 days.

Okwir pledged support to Rose Ongom in the course of her duty.

Rose Ongom said she will work together with civil servants and councilors for development of Lira city West division.

However, speaker of Lira City West Division, Daniel Okello said the confirmation of Rose Ongom as the mayor of Lira City West Division is illegal.