By Ambrose Okeanga I May 6th, 2026
The race for the Lira District speakership is gaining momentum after Moses Otim, the newly elected councillor for Ogur Town Council, formally declared his interest in the position, citing deep-rooted governance challenges in the district.
Otim, who currently serves as Secretary for Education and Health and brings over a decade of experience in local government, says he is stepping forward to restore effective leadership within the council.
Speaking to the media, Otim accused the outgoing leadership of promoting a “divide and rule” approach, which he said has repeatedly disrupted council operations.
“Lira District has been under a divide-and-rule system that has, on several occasions, derailed council meetings,” Otim said.
He further pointed to what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of development projects across the district.
“There was no equitable distribution of resources. The top leadership concentrated most development on one side of the district, leaving other areas behind,” he added.
Otim emphasized the need for firm and decisive leadership in the council to fast-track critical development priorities.
He highlighted three key projects he intends to push if elected speaker: the creation of Erute District from Lira, and the upgrade of Amach Health Centre IV and Ogur Health Centre IV to full district hospital status.
“These priorities require strong council resolutions and consistent follow-up with central government, which can only be achieved through effective leadership,” he noted.
Otim also cited his experience in governance, revealing that he is among a select group of councillors in Uganda who were chosen to contribute to the amendment of Local Council Rules of Procedure.
His bid has already attracted support from several councillors who believe he can elevate debate and decision making within the district council.
Moses Odunu, councillor for Amach Sub-county, criticized the outgoing leadership, accusing it of undermining service delivery.
“Our chairman has been so erratic to the extent that he dictated most development decisions, leading to poor service delivery,” Odunu said.
Teddy Ogwang Oyang, the newly elected women representative for Ogur Town Council, described Otim as a leader of integrity with the experience needed to guide the council effectively.
Denis Otim, councillor for Wiodyek Town Council, stressed the importance of the speakership, calling it the backbone of council operations.
“The Speaker is the engine of the council, and we have seen that momentum in Moses Otim,” he said.
Similarly, Bonny Okello, councillor for Ayami Sub-county, warned that without strong leadership in the speakership, the district risks further decline.
The speakership seat fell vacant after Morris Adem Okello exited the council following his unsuccessful bid for the LCV chairmanship.
Other contenders reportedly eyeing the position include Denis Okii, councillor for Barr Sub-county, and Isaac Ojok, councillor for Agweng Town Council.