By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI CITY — Newly sworn-in Local Council I (LCI) and Local Council II (LCII) leaders in Soroti City East Division have been given a set of tough directives aimed at strengthening security, fighting corruption and improving service delivery at the grassroots.

The directives were issued by Blessinu Saiga, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Soroti City East Division, during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected LCI and LCII chairpersons.

Saiga congratulated the newly elected leaders and their executive committees, while commending the Electoral Commission, security agencies and residents for contributing to a peaceful electoral process.

She also recognised the outgoing local leaders for their service and commitment to their communities.

According to Saiga, LCI and LCII leaders occupy a critical position in Uganda’s governance structure because they are often the first point of contact between ordinary citizens and government.

She urged the new leaders to take their responsibilities seriously, particularly in maintaining security, resolving community disputes, mobilising residents for development programmes and linking communities to government.

Saiga cautioned the new LCI leaders against charging residents for services that should be provided as part of their official duties.

She specifically warned that LCI stamps are not for sale, directing leaders not to demand money for introduction letters, signing or stamping documents.

She said any leader found extorting residents would face the law.

The RCC further directed local leaders to ensure transparency in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM).

She warned leaders against creating ghost groups or demanding bribes from residents seeking to benefit from government programmes.

LCII chairpersons were reminded of their responsibility in overseeing PDM activities at parish level and ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.

Saiga also tasked the new leaders with strengthening grassroots security, citing drug abuse, particularly among young people, theft and illegal structures among the challenges facing Soroti City.

She urged every LCI leader to know the residents in their respective villages and maintain updated village registers.

The leaders were also encouraged to work closely with the Police, GISO and other security structures to prevent criminal activities in their communities.

The RCC further warned local leaders against involvement in land grabbing and illegal evictions.

She said her office had received complaints involving land disputes and cautioned LCI leaders against participating in the sale of disputed land or evicting vulnerable residents, including widows and elderly people.

Instead, she urged them to protect vulnerable members of their communities and handle disputes fairly.

With the elections over, Saiga called on the new leaders to put political differences aside and serve all residents regardless of their political affiliation.

She urged leaders associated with different political parties and independents to work together and avoid using politics to divide communities.

The outgoing leaders were also asked to conduct a peaceful handover of official stamps, files, village registers and other government property to the incoming leadership.

Saiga further encouraged the outgoing leaders to continue sharing their experience with the new teams rather than becoming obstacles to their work.

The newly sworn-in leaders were ultimately urged to serve with honesty, patriotism and the fear of God, as they take on the responsibility of representing government at the grassroots.

The RCC also directed LCI leaders to mobilise residents for a community cleaning exercise scheduled for the 29th of the month, with participating residents expected to be registered.