LC III chairperson on the spot for diverting culverts

30 January 2026, 10:19

By Winnie Auma

The LC III Chairperson of Ayami Sub county in Lira District, Thomas Obur, is under scrutiny following allegations that he removed culverts intended for road construction in the district without permission.

The matter was raised by Ronald Ogweng, the chairperson of LC I chairpersons in Ayami Sub county and LC I Chairperson of Apuce Village. According to Ogweng, at around 7 a.m. on 29 January 2026, Obur used a blue tipper lorry, registration number UBN 296T, to remove two culverts that had been placed along Barobia Road in Ayami Sub-county.

Ogweng said that when concerned locals asked Obur where he was taking the culverts, he claimed they were intended for work on a bridge connecting Barniang and Tedam villages to improve transportation.

However, Ogweng added that when the LC V Chairperson of Lira District, RCM Okello Orik, was contacted, he stated that he was not aware of the matter and advised that no one should be allowed to remove the culverts.

The LC V Chairperson of Lira District, RCM Okello Orik, alleged that Obur was stealing the culverts, as he had not obtained permission from the district leadership to use them.

Okello Orik expressed dismay that one of the culverts was damaged while Obur was removing them. He added that the police at Ogur CPS have already been informed of the incident to assist with investigations.

However, the Ayami LC III Chairperson, Thomas Obur, has denied the allegations of stealing the culverts.

He stated that he had written a letter to the District Engineer requesting permission to use the culverts for road works in his area.

Obur expressed dismay at how the matter has been politicised, noting that he is contesting to retain his seat and that the LC V Chairperson, who is from the NRM, may view the bridge works as potentially benefiting his NRM opponent in next week’s elections.