MOROTO DISTRICT : Newly sworn-in Moroto Municipal Mayor Mark Sire has called for unity and peace across political, religious, and tribal lines as he sets his sights on accelerating development in the municipality. Sire was sworn in on Friday and said his term marks “the beginning of a new chapter” for Moroto. He urged residents to put aside differences and work together to spearhead progress.
“My priority is to bring all stakeholders on board to ensure total peace, which will pave the way for development,” Sire said. He noted that previous insecurity had made Moroto lag, but with relative calm returning, the municipality must now “guard it jealously” and move forward.
He highlighted the municipality’s ethnic diversity as an asset, saying it has boosted socio-economic transformation and improved service delivery.
During the hand over of office instruments, Moroto Municipal Town Clerk Richard Eyaru urged the new mayor to prioritize gender representation in executive appointments and to fast-track the construction of municipal council offices, which are currently housed at the district headquarters.
Responding, Sire who appointed more women than men to the executive committee, citing education, experience, and loyalty as the basis for selection. The new executive includes Everline Longok as Deputy Mayor, Gaston Napakol as Speaker, Gabriel Ogwang as Secretary for Works and Production, Susan Achia as Secretary for Administration and Finance, and Mary Akech as Secretary for Health.
Sire warned appointees that poor performance would lead to a reshuffle and urged those not appointed to remain engaged and support the council’s work.
Moroto District Assistant RDC Mark Aol Musoka commended the outgoing leadership and urged the new team to set a strong example. He said the technical team is ready to work with political leaders if they provide an enabling environment.
Musoka challenged the council to push for approval of 22 villages previously proposed for municipality expansion, a move he said is critical as Moroto pushes for city status. “The municipality is too small, yet we are advocating for city status so there is a need to create awareness in the villages so there is no resistance when city status comes ,” he said.
He urged the leadership to make hygiene a priority as Moroto prepares for elevation and called on residents to maintain peace and unity. The first council sitting is scheduled for Monday to reorganize the municipality’s infrastructure development plan.
Sire said opening roads in and outside town is the immediate priority to allow business expansion. He added that the recent trade order had freed up space and that it was time for the physical development plan to be finalized so residents can build according to it.
Garbage collection, which has long challenged the council, is also on the agenda. He also pledged to put strategies in place to improve waste management and overall governance to position Moroto for city status.
He acknowledged the outgoing administration’s street lighting project but said more dark streets need lighting to improve security and support the night economy. On education, Sire pledged to motivate teachers and ensure all school-age children are enrolled and learning in a conducive environment.
SOURCE: URN
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