Pallisa, (UG):- The hopeful candidate for Pallisa District LC5 Chairperson in the upcoming 2026 elections, Mr Ben Okiria says he is aiming to fill the vacuum of transparency between the community and the district leadership.
Okiria who unsuccessfully contested for Pallisa Town Council in the previous elections (2021) has now turned his weaponry to oust Patrick Duchu the incumbent LC5 chairperson for the Bukedi region district.
“Pallisa needs a person of my calibre who has time to serve it’s very unfortunate that in most instances Duchu is never in office and directly affects service delivery which is very regretful”, Okiria said.
In a rooted exclusive interview with Daily Express on Wednesday, Okiria backed his candidature and decision to rival Duchu for the seat, saying “If more than four people come up to challenge your leadership then there are community concerns.”
“People raised concerns of corruption in the district service commission over open extortion of money to buy jobs but the chairman remained silent and was it not for the intervention of Magid Dhikusooka, the resident district commissioner, some people wouldn’t have got the refund of the money siphoned from them”, he emphasized.
“The poor in Pallisa don’t get jobs and if you pay half you’ll be deferred to the next recruitment which is satanic. People who are corrupt don’t know that they are sowing a bad seed in thirty children. You may take them to better schools but something awaits them in future.”
Mr Okiria challenged the incumbent district chairperson to come out and champion the hunt for the corrupt people spoiling the selection of competent applicants.
He noted; “Being a candidate for a seat in heaven myself with the faith I have I will not tolerate any form of corruption and poor service delivery. There are some people who alongside me are eyeing the top district political office but feeling the vibrancy I have on the ground is that they are trying to mislead the public that I am still young and cannot handle the business with most heads of departments,” Mr Okiria said.
Those currently interested in the district LC5 office and are warning for NRM primaries include; George Oule Omoding – the NRM district Chairperson, Emmanuel Emuron the former LC3 chairperson of Chelekura sub-county, Outa Grace Engorit the Kamuge town council councillor,
Who is Okiria Ben?
Mr Okiria Ben has a career background in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration. He previously worked with North Bukedi Cotton Company and later with Cotton Development Organization attached to Budaka before settling for private business and engagements.
He has a strong stint in supporting and mobilising government programs in pallisa.
Okiria is a renowned ardent NRM Mobilizer, especially among the youth. His non-confrontational politics has drawn the attention of the voters as a more favourite candidate for the LC5 who will strengthen unity across the Bagwere and Iteso as well as other tribes in Pallisa.
Okiria’s coming into the LC 5 race for Pallisa District 2026-2031 has brought in the energy among the youths and a likeable candidate across various ages because he appeals to all audiences as a leader who champions inclusive leadership.
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