LC V Pader pledges improved service delivery, economic transformation

21 May 2026, 9:33 am

By Geoffrey Okwong

The newly sworn-in LC5 Chairperson of Pader District, Alfred Akena, has pledged to prioritize improved service delivery, economic transformation, youth empowerment and accountability during his five-year term in office.

Akena made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony held at the district headquarters, where newly elected district leaders officially assumed office amid calls for integrity, peaceful leadership transition and commitment to public service.

Speaking shortly after taking oath, Akena described his election victory as a mandate for work rather than celebration, urging district leaders to focus on service delivery.

He pledged to focus on youth empowerment through productive economic activities, improved agriculture, infrastructure development, better public services and environmental conservation.

Akena encouraged residents to embrace government livelihood programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), while promising reforms to improve accountability in implementation.

The new district chairperson also committed to promoting commercial agriculture through the four-acre model and announced plans to support tree planting, targeting at least five million trees within the next five years.

On land governance, he pledged to protect customary land ownership and guard communities against exploitation.

Akena further called for unity among political leaders, civil servants, cultural institutions and development partners, saying meaningful development would only be achieved through collective effort.

Meanwhile, the outgoing LC5 Chairperson, Rtd Col. Fearless Obwoya Oyat, used his farewell speech to thank the people of Pader and the Government of Uganda for the opportunity to serve, saying he leaves office proud of the progress made during his tenure.

However, Obwoya expressed concern over what he described as an invasion of his office shortly before the handover process.

“I had fully organized my files for handover, but my office was entered into in my absence, files were scattered and some items went missing,” he said.

Despite the incident, Obwoya called for peaceful cooperation between political leaders and technical staff, urging the incoming administration to work closely with district civil servants.

He also warned leaders against joining politics for personal enrichment.

The outgoing chairperson highlighted ongoing district projects, including road infrastructure works, and expressed confidence that the new administration would continue from where his team stopped.

Earlier, the Chief Magistrate of Pader, Martins Kirya, who presided over the oath-taking process, reminded leaders that swearing-in symbolizes a public commitment to serve with honesty and accountability.

He urged the newly sworn-in leaders to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities and prioritize the interests of the people who entrusted them with leadership.