Rapa FM Pader

Pader LC 1s and 2s frustrated over delayed ex gratia payments

17 June 2024, 11:54

By Can-ogura Richard

Pader district Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Wanje Michael, reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, that the central government has yet to release funds for village and parish chairpersons’ ex gratia payments for the fiscal year 2023/2024.

This follows complaints from the Local Council One and Two chairpersons in Pader district, who are currently expressing anger over delayed annual salaries that were expected by June 2024

According to Mr. Otim James, chairperson of Barodyek village in Kineni parish, Pukor Subcounty, the delay is causing significant frustration among the LC 1s. He notes that their counterparts in Agago district have already received their pay, heightening their dissatisfaction with the entire leadership of the district.

Walter Okumu, chairperson of Ogom Village in Pucota Parish, Angagura Subcounty, echoed these sentiments, stating that many LC 1s are stuck with debts. Okumu revealed that district leaders claimed no funds have been received from the central government, exacerbating their plight.

Okumu on frustration – Luo.

In response, Mr. Micheal Wanje, the Pader district Chief Administrative Officer, stated that village and parish chairpersons nationwide have not yet received their ex gratia payments. He urged the leaders to remain patient, assuring them that payments will be made once the funds are received before the financial year ends.

Wanje on releases – Eng.

Contradicting Wanje’s statement, a reliable source in Agago district indicated that their LC 1 and 2 officials received ex gratia payments in May 2024. This discrepancy has further fueled the discontent among Pader district LC 1s.

The source further revealed that the central government usually sends the funds early to pay the village and parish chairpersons. He assumed that the district leaders in Pader might have diverted the funds for other activities, contrary to the guidelines.