Mayor Wodacholi announces official resumption of duties in Pader

18 September 2025, 16:45

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Kilama Fearless Wodacholi, the Pader urban council III chairperson (Mayor), has formally announced his resumption of office on 23rd September 2025, following what he described as his unlawful removal from the position.

In a letter addressed to the Town Clerk on 14th September 2025, Mayor Wodacholi cited Sections 24 and 26 of the Local Government Act, Cap 138, to reaffirm his mandate to oversee government personnel, monitor service delivery, and maintain law and order within the council.

The letter also emphasized the importance of accountability and proper administration in all council operations.

Ahead of his return, Mayor Wodacholi requested that all departmental performance reports covering the last three financial years FY 2022/2023, FY 2023/2024, and FY 2024/2025 be submitted by 22nd September.

The requested documents include Local Revenue reports, government releases, Uganda Road Fund records, updates on the Low-Cost Road Sealing project, Parish Development Model beneficiary records, streetlight repairs, external and internal audits, handover reports, council minutes, annual budgets, and town physical planning documents.

The documents are intended to facilitate proper review ahead of the Executive’s scheduled monitoring visits beginning 25th September.

The Mayor stressed that timely submission is critical for effective planning and improved service delivery to the community.

Kilama Wodacholi was convicted in February, by High Court Judge Wilbrord Phillips Mwaka over his role in a December 2021 protest held during the COVID-19 lockdown.

While in detention, Mr. Labongo Dickson, the Town Council Speaker, was unlawfully sworn in as chairperson, according to the Solicitor General.

Following his release on 29 May 2025 , Wodacholi is now reclaiming his mandate with a clear focus on restoring oversight, accountability, and service delivery in the council.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the District Chairperson, Resident District Commissioner, Chief Administrative Officer, and Rt. Hon. Speaker of Pader Town Council.