Lira City’s East Division in Turmoil as Arua Central Division Refuses to Release Transferred Town Clerk

On August 25, 2023, the Ministry of Local Government relocated Maliki Drakuma from Arua to Lira City, assigning him the role of town clerk for Lira City’s East Division. However, Arua Central Division Council has vehemently rejected this transfer due to Maliki’s exceptional performance record.

Hamid Harib Salim, the Secretary of Finance and Administration for Arua Central Division, lauded Maliki’s achievements, including a remarkable increase in monthly revenue collection from 6 million shillings to 42 million shillings in just two months. Such accomplishments have earned him the admiration of his colleagues.

Lira City’s East Division eagerly anticipated Maliki’s arrival last week, but he failed to appear, leaving their accounts frozen. Charles Opio Olol, the Division’s Finance Secretary, expressed their intention to seek intervention from the Ministry of Local Government, as the absence of the town clerk has hindered the execution of vital projects, particularly road construction, due to the unavailability of their bank accounts.

It’s worth noting that Lira City’s East Division councilors and leaders previously rejected Bernard Apolo Opolot, who was transferred to the division as town clerk amidst corruption allegations. Nevertheless, the Town Clerk of Lira City Council designated Opolot as a signatory for Lira City East Division’s accounts.

There are unverified reports suggesting that Lira City East Division Mayor George Okello Ayo has taken measures to restrict Opolot’s access to the division’s accounts by contacting the bank. Efforts to reach Lira City spokesperson Robert Okello Ayo for comment on the situation proved unsuccessful.

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