By Teso Vibez Reporter

Soroti District Local government risks being dragged to court for wrong selection and approval of the Members to the District Land Board.

The District Council recently approved five members that include four men and one lady to the District Land Board.

However, during the council sitting today March 24, 2022, Bob Owiny, councilor representing Tubur Sub County, raised a matter of concern identifying the gap in the recent approval.

Owiny noted that the selection and approval of the Soroti District Land Board members was done against section 57 of the Land Act of 1998 which among others stipulates that the District Land Board shall comprise five members with representatives coming from all the counties in the District.

For Soroti District, Four members are all from one county (Dakabela) and one lady who hails from Soroti County whereas the district has three counties of Gweri, Soroti and Dakabela.

District Speaker Stephen Olebe said the matter was a general oversight from council that day and guided that Owiny writes to the office of the District Chairman and copy to him such that the matter can be handled.

Peter Ebau the chairperson Local council three chairperson Awaliwal Sub County who happens to be a leader in one county of Gweri that is not represented in the land board acknowledged that the matter is a serious concern that the district council should resolve.

He however castigated the council for rushing into approving items in the order paper without research.

Meanwhile Thomas Eperu, councilor representing Awaliwal sub county said names were brought to them on a short notice and they had no time to consult.

The District Boss Simon Peter Edoru Ekuu said it’s a simple oversight matter and the same council that made the mistake will rectify it. The council was sitting to lay the 2022/2023 budget and approve a supplementary budget worth 1.2billion to handle emergency issues at the district like the bad roads.