Tororo District, sub-county chiefs clash over RDC farewell funds

Tensions flared during a meeting at the Tororo District Council Chambers, where District Chairperson John Okea sharply rebuked sub-county chiefs and town clerks for their reluctance to contribute funds for the farewell of outgoing Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Nixon Owole.

The meeting, convened to organize a farewell party for Owole, who has been transferred to Koboko District after nearly six years of service in Tororo, saw Okea instructing the accounting officers to dig into their budgets and contribute at least Shs100,000 each.

"All chiefs and clerks, the least money you can contribute as a lower local government should not be less than one hundred thousand. In fact, you can even contribute Shs10m. So, look through your budgets and respond immediately," Okea ordered the lower local government leaders.

Okea's demand, however, was met with resistance when Samuel Opua Emun, the sub-county chief of Omollo, questioned the legality and source of these contributions, suggesting the use of the District Development Equalization Grant (DDEG) funds.

"Chair, you're saying we look through our budget and contribute not less than a hundred thousand. Is it okay if we dip our hands into the DDEG funds?" asked Opua, the sub-county chief of Omollo.

Emun’s suggestion was met with immediate hostility from Okea, who lashed out at him in front of nearly a hundred district heads gathered for the meeting.

“Are you stupid? In fact, just move out of the meeting. Move out! Is the DDEG fund the only money you have in the sub-county?” Okea retorted, ordering Emun to leave the meeting.

The incident has sparked concerns about the transparency and accountability of district leadership, as well as the appropriateness of using public funds for non-official purposes.

Many have questioned the legality of Okea's directive, with some fearing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the misuse of public resources.

RDC Nixon Owole, who was assigned to Tororo District in November 2018, is credited with easing tribal tensions between the Itesot and Jopadhola communities during his tenure.

District leaders, appreciative of his efforts in promoting peace and stability, are eager to give him a fitting send-off before the 31st of this month as he prepares to take up his new role in Koboko District next month.

More than Shs10 million was raised during the first preparatory meeting, and a second meeting is scheduled for Monday next week.

The heated exchange at the meeting underscores the growing friction between district leadership and lower administrative units, raising questions about governance and the ethical use of public funds in Tororo District.