New Paidha Town Leaders Cautioned Against Self-Interest and Corruption

By Mike Rwothomio

New leaders of Paidha Town Council in Zombo District were sworn in on Thursday, May 28, 2026, ushering in a fresh political dispensation amid high public expectations for improved service delivery and urban development.

The colourful ceremony took place at the historic Mayor’s Garden in Paidha under bright afternoon sunshine, with hundreds of residents in attendance.

The new leadership, headed by youthful LCIII Chairperson Amos Jacan, took the oath of office, signalling the beginning of the 2026–2031 term.

In his inaugural address, Jacan urged the new council to prioritize public interest over personal gain. “I remind us, the new leaders, to work for the interest of our people, but not our own interest,” he said.

He pledged to maintain a strong working relationship with technical staff to drive town development.

Paidha Town, a vibrant commercial centre with a population of over 40,000, has long grappled with challenges including rising numbers of street children, a solid waste management crisis, proliferation of illegal structures, dilapidated mud-walled buildings, and poor community cooperation on infrastructure projects such as road openings.

Key Priorities Outlined

Chairperson Jacan outlined his administration’s priorities, including the upgrade of Paidha Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, expansion of street lighting across the town, construction of additional market sheds and lock-up shops to support traders, and improved solid waste management through the provision of dustbins and polythene bags.

He also called for unity, declaring that the time for divisive politics had ended.

“Time for politics is gone; we need to work together for the progress of the town. Anyone who is using politics now to divide our people, we shall treat him or her as an enemy of the whole community of Paidha,” Jacan warned.

New Town Council Cabinet In the new council lineup:

Joyce Kayeny, the vocal female councillor for Omua Ward, was elected Speaker of the Council, deputized by Jane Aciro, female councillor for Dwonga Ward.

New council speaker Joyce Kayeny

Former football star Lewin Piyic, male councillor for Oturgang Ward, was appointed Vice Chairperson LCIII. 

Veteran politician Silivani Orwinyu was named Secretary for Social Services.  

Onim Angelo Akabway was appointed Secretary for Finance. 

Consulate Wedunga was appointed Secretary for Works and Transport.

Richard Okethwengu, Male Youth councillor Paidha town council who was elected as chairperson works and transport committee

Sworn-in Councillors React

Speaker Joyce Kayeny echoed the unity message: “Time for politics is over; we need to work together as a unit to ensure this town moves forward.”

Richard Okethwengu, Male Youth Councillor and newly elected Chairperson of the Works and Transport Committee, vowed to implement Jacan’s manifesto by installing culverts on roads, expanding street lighting, constructing lock-up shops, and advancing other key infrastructure projects.

Bonny Ubedki, Male Councillor for Nyibola Ward on the NUP ticket, pledged to collaborate with the LCIII Chairperson and Speaker to revamp defunct water sources, upgrade and relocate Congaloya Market, open new roads, and address other pressing priorities.

Anti-Corruption Warning

Zombo Assistant RDC Bruno Mananu cautioned the new leadership against corruption, urging them to focus on service delivery.

This comes as President Yoweri Museveni’s administration continues its national drive to stamp out graft, with reported corruption levels standing at 36.6 percent.

Related Article: Paidha Market Tenants blamed for Rising Rental Arrears

The swearing-in for Paidha town council, has been viewed as bringing relief after what many described as one of the most contentious lower local government election campaigns in Zombo District.

Last week, Rev. Father Donald Okurulal of the Nebbi Catholic Diocese, during a thanksgiving Mass for Jacan, urged the new LCIII Chairperson to embrace forgiveness, accommodate divergent views, and focus on development, noting that leadership comes with many challenges.

Jacan, who previously served as Zombo District Youth Chairperson, takes over from outgoing LCIII Chairperson Innocent Godfred Onega.

New LCIII chairperson Amos Jacan takes oath

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African stories trends and updates