LC1s and 2s in Pader frustrated by delayed 2024/25 ex-gratia payments

19 March 2025, 5:28 pm

By Okello Gift

Pader District Local Council One and Two leaders have expressed disappointment over the delayed payment of 269 million Ugandan shillings in ex-gratia funds for the 2023/2024 financial year.

The district has 890 LC1 and 98 LC2 chairpersons, each entitled to an annual payment of 120,000 shillings.

However, James Otim, Chairperson of Barodyek village in Kineni parish, Pukor sub county, said the delay has caused significant frustration among LC1s. He noted that their counterparts in Agago district have already received their payments.

Walter Okumu, Chairperson of Ogom village in Pucota parish, Angagura sub county, added that many local leaders are struggling with debt, having borrowed money in anticipation of their salaries, only to be left waiting in vain.

Charles Olum Walume, LC1 Chairperson of Oloki-Lee in Pader town council, has appealed to district leaders to provide clear information to LC1 and LC2 chairpersons regarding their payments, rather than ignoring their concerns.

In response, Pader District Chief Administrative Officer Wanje Michael stated that the central government has not yet released funds for the village and parish chairpersons’ ex-gratia payments.

He also urged the chairpersons to remain calm, assuring them that the district is following up on their payments and that they will be made as soon as the funds are received.