Uncertainties Surround Lira City West Mayoral Vacuum

BY CAESAR IVAN OKELLO

Lira City West Division in Lira City risk having leadership vacuums in the Office of the Mayor following the failure by the Independent Electoral Commission to organize a by-election.

The office of the Mayor for Lira City West Division fell vacant following the demise of late Mayor Michael Ogwal Achonga on October 14th 2023.

Local Government Act, Section 113 (A), states that when the District Chairperson or Mayor dies or resigns, the Electoral Commission is mandated to organize a by-election within six months.

Additionally, the Act says that if the District Chairperson or Mayor dies or resigns, the deputy assumes office for a period of 6 months and performs all functions.

Now, the former contestant for Lira City West Division, Anthony Ojuka seeks for legal redress after the expiry of the 6 months mandatory period elapses.

According to Ojuka, after the demise of Mayor Michael Ogwal Achonga, the acting Town Clerk for Lira City West Division notified the Electoral Commission regarding the vacant position in City West on October 27th 2024 and likewise the Electoral Commission wrote back on 31st October acknowledging receipt of the notification.

The District Returning Officer for Lira City Rasid Hasakye told Qfm news desk that after receiving notification from the Town Clerk, his office immediately informed the Headquarters.

“My office is even still waiting for the feedback from EC headquarters on whether the by-election for the Mayoral seat in Lira City West Division will be organized”, Hasakye added.

Speaking to Radio Qfm on Monday evening, Julius Musunguzi the Public Relations Officer for the Electoral Commission confirmed that the Headquarter is aware of the vacancy in Lira City West Division.

Musunguzi said consultation with the legal team of the EC on the next course of action is under way now that the 6 months mandatory period is elapsing on April 27th 2024.