Nommy Otyeno urges MPs amend law to improve councillors’ welfare

12 June 2026, 5:40 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Former Speaker of Oyam District, Hon. Nommy Otyeno, has challenged Members of Parliament in Uganda to amend the Local Government Act to provide welfare support for local councillors.

Speaking today at Oyam District headquarters during the last respects for the late Hon. Mary Aceng, former female councillor for Kamdini Subcounty and Town Council who passed away last Saturday due to liver problem, Otyeno criticised MPs for prioritising their own welfare while leaving councillors struggling.

He noted that MPs enjoy medical benefits, including treatment abroad, while councillors are left to sell livestock such as goats and cows to raise money for healthcare.

Otyeno recalled that when Hon. Mary Aceng was sick, she wrote to him seeking help from the district, but the district could not assist due to legal restrictions.

He concluded by criticising MPs for allocating large budgets for their own medical needs despite already earning high salaries, while councillors, who tirelessly serve communities from LC1 to LC5, are forced to sell goats, cows, or land to raise money when sick, often leading to preventable deaths. He urged Parliament to recognise local leaders as equally important.

During the eulogies, Nelson Oloa, councillor for Myene Subcounty, described Hon. Mary Aceng as a peacemaker and pledged to pay school fees for her child, currently in primary two until primary seven.

Vicky Atim Oyite, female LC5 councillor for Loro Subcounty, remembered her as a woman of integrity and a true friend.

Tonny Ocen Okello, former male councillor for Iceme Subcounty, praised her wisdom and guidance, recalling how she once advised him to “go slow.” He pledged to continue honoring the memory of leaders and civil servants of Oyam District who have passed away.

Hon. Peter Emun, former aspirant for LC5 Oyam District, called on the district to establish ways of remembering fallen leaders, citing examples such as Hon. Tommy Obong Odul, Hon. Simple Ruth Odoc, Hon. Oyuro Anthony Aleka, and Hon. Charles Patrick Okello Engola Macodwogo.

Local resident Jaspher Odongo Olyoc of Amwa Bung village in Ocini parish Kamdini Subcounty remembered Hon. Mary Aceng for advocating clean water and supporting families, urging government to provide school fees for her children.

Meanwhile, District Chairman Nelson Adea Akar pledged to support her family by lobbying for the recruitment of her sister, a trained secondary school teacher, into government service. He also promised to assist the daughter of the late Hon. Anthony Oyuro, who is soon joining Nightingale School of Nursing in Apac.

Honourable Mary Aceng was born on 23 July 1983 and passed away on 6 June 2026 at his home in Kamdini Subcounty. The burial is scheduled for 13 June 2026.