Pallisa, Uganda: Ougoing Pallisa District LCV Chairperson Patrick Duchu has officially handed over office to Chief Administrative Officer Alex Felix Majeme ahead of the swearing-in of incoming district chairperson Ben Okiria.
The handover ceremony, held Monday afternoon at the district headquarters, was attended by district heads of department led by Deputy CAO Simon Peter Areu.
During the ceremony, Duchu handed over the official district stamp, office keys and vehicle keys to Majeme in line with legal procedures governing leadership transitions in local governments.
“I assumed this office on May 18, 2021, and today, May 11, I am handing it over to Mr. Majeme as provided by the law so that he can equally hand it over to Mr. Okiria Ben on Wednesday,” Duchu said.
The outgoing chairperson thanked the district technical team for supporting his administration throughout his tenure, saying their cooperation made his leadership work easier.
Duchu also revealed that he would not attend Okiria’s swearing-in ceremony because he intended to remain in Kampala after attending President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony.
“I will remain in Kampala to settle myself as I figure out what to do next. My absence will not affect Okiria’s function, but I have tasked my vice chairperson Clement Opakasi to represent me,” he said.
He further proposed that Opakasi and Okiria plant a “tree of unity,” preferably a fruit tree, as a symbol of peaceful leadership transition and unity in the district. Duchu also asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have offended during his time in office.
Meanwhile, CAO Majeme announced that Deputy CAO Simon Peter Areu would temporarily oversee the office of CAO during the transition period.
“Mr. Areu will act as full CAO until Wednesday afternoon when I resume office after officially handing over to the incoming LCV chairperson,” Majeme said.
Principal Assistant CAO and Clerk to Council, John Okia, praised Duchu for what he described as mature leadership and his ability to navigate district challenges.
He also invited residents to attend Okiria’s swearing-in ceremony in large numbers.
Pallisa Resident District Commissioner Magid Dhikusooka commended Duchu for promoting unity between the Iteso and Bagwere communities during his leadership.
“The area where I give Duchu 100 percent is his effort in promoting unity between the Iteso and Bagwere communities. Even in appointing his secretaries, he looked beyond tribal lines,” Dhikusooka said.
The RDC added that the cooperation between politicians and technical staff contributed to improved service delivery and strengthened support for the ruling NRM party in Pallisa.
Dhikusooka also applauded Duchu for remaining loyal to the NRM after losing the party flag to Okiria and declining to contest as an independent candidate.
“When you took over from John Michael Okurut, President Museveni later appointed him RCC of Soroti City. You respected the party after people chose Okiria and did not stand as an independent candidate,” he noted.
Akisim Sub-county councillor John Julius Okaki thanked Duchu for withdrawing his application to join the Pallisa civil service after previously applying for the position of assistant town clerk.
Okaki said Duchu later reconsidered the move after realising it could raise conflict concerns.
A resident of Olok Sub-county, Sarah Kataike, praised Duchu for improving the district road network during his tenure. “People should appreciate what leaders contribute. It would not be fair to say Duchu did nothing because every leader has both strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
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