Tororo District Council’s operations ground to a halt after councillors detained district executive members, demanding transport allowances. The disruption occurred during the third sitting of the 2024/25 financial year, overshadowing key agenda items.
Frustrated by attending three consecutive meetings without facilitation, the councillors accused district leaders of neglecting their welfare. They highlighted the poor state of roads leading to the district headquarters, which had worsened due to heavy rains, as a significant financial burden.
“All roads leading us to the district headquarters have been washed away by rain, and it costs us a lot to reach here. We can’t proceed with the council without our money,” one councillor insisted.
The situation escalated as councillors blocked exits, preventing district officials from leaving. One councillor remarked, “The District Chairperson is constructing day and night while claiming there is no money. Who can believe that? We need our money,” reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
In response, District Chairperson John Okea borrowed Shs 740,000 to pay each councillor for one session, enabling a temporary resumption. Okea attributed the delayed payments to bureaucratic hurdles at the central government level, rejecting claims of mismanagement.
With 74 councillors, the outstanding allowances for two sittings total Shs 14,800,000. The standoff delayed discussions on critical issues, including the Standard Gauge Railway compensation, standing committee reports, and the Tororo Industrial Park’s progress.
Observers warn that such disruptions could undermine service delivery, emphasising the need for timely facilitation, improved communication, and accountability to prevent future incidents.