Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga, dubbed the "travelling mayor," faced backlash this morning when residents blocked him from appearing on a talk show at Mega FM.
The residents accuse Mayor Okwonga of poor leadership and failing to protect the city’s prime assets, including Pece Stream, its sole wetland catchment area.
The standoff arises from a contentious city council resolution permitting remanded investor Lawrence Okello, director of Oil Energy, to build a petrol station on the wetland.
The motion, introduced by Laroo-Pece Division Councillor Andrew Ogwetta, was passed unanimously amid claims the council feared losing a legal battle with the investor.
Public Outrage Over Wetland Decision
The decision has ignited public fury, with many accusing the council of prioritising financial interests over environmental protection.
Environmental activists and residents argue that such actions undermine climate change mitigation efforts and contravene environmental laws.
City lawyer Tony Kitara led a group of mobilised residents who protested outside Mega FM, demanding that Okwonga appear alongside the councillors responsible for the resolution.
"We want accountability from all involved, not just the mayor," Kitara stated during the protest.
"The councilors must answer for their role in passing this decision."
One protestor described the mayor’s leadership as negligent, adding, “Our city deserves better leadership, not these poor decisions that risk its future.”
Councillor Ogwetta defended the resolution, arguing that it was a pragmatic decision to avoid potential financial losses from a protracted court case with the investor.
Critics, however, have dismissed this rationale as short-sighted, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent.
They contend that prioritising financial considerations over environmental sustainability and public health erodes public trust and risks long-term harm to the city.
Reacting to the incident and related accusations, Mayor Okwonga commended the citizens for defending their environment but cautioned them not to be misled by people with vested interests.
“I commend the environmental activists defending Pece stream," he said. "The community must stay vigilant. Politicians like Counsel Kitara and Patrick Lumumba have hidden interests."
He said the two were pretenders with selfish intentions" and warned that they were blocking the right information from reaching the people.
"Stay informed and united for our environment and future development," the mayor said.
Mayor Okwonga’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny, with many residents accusing him of failing to uphold transparency and accountability.
