ALEBTONG – The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong, Mathias Lutwama, has laid out a clear roadmap for the newly inaugurated District Local Government (DLG) council for the 2026–2031 term, urging members to prioritise integrity, transparency, and grassroots engagement if they are to serve the people effectively.
Addressing the council during its first sitting, Lutwama highlighted three vital aspects that he said must guide their work over the next five years.
Lutwama strongly pushed for the streamlining and establishment of a new District Service Commission that exercises moral excellence. He lamented that many qualified people in Alebtong are unable to access jobs because they are coerced into paying large sums of money in exchange for passing interviews.
“That must stop,” Lutwama told the councillors. “A job is a right for the qualified, not a commodity to be sold. The new commission must be composed of people of proven integrity who will end this culture of ‘pay to work’.”
He called on the council to expedite the formation of the commission and to vet its members rigorously.
The Deputy RDC also turned his attention to the deplorable state of roads in Alebtong district. He noted that despite a road fund of approximately 1 billion shillings, many roads remain in a very shoddy state because the money has not been transparently accounted for.
“You cannot have a billion shillings disappearing into thin air while our people suffer on impassable roads,” Lutwama said. “This council must strategically guide the roads sector. Demand accountability. Question every kilometre. If the money is not traceable, do not approve it.”
He urged the councillors to form a dedicated roads oversight committee that would work with technical staff to ensure value for money.
Lutwama further reminded the new district councillors of their role in monitoring the livestock compensation programme, where each eligible household is meant to receive 5 million shillings. The programme, as guided by His Excellency President Museveni, follows a five-year cycle rolling out from 2026 to 2031.
“This is not a programme to be left to the technocrats alone,” Lutwama emphasised. “You, honourable councillors, must functionally participate in monitoring every step – from beneficiary identification to final payouts. Ensure that the 5 million shillings reaches the rightful households.”
He warned that any diversion of funds would be met with firm action, and that councillors who fail to monitor risk betraying the very people who elected them.
On a lighter note, Lutwama exhorted the councillors to be field-oriented and remain in constant touch with the masses at the village level if they are to succeed in leadership over the next five years.
“You cannot lead from the air-conditioned council hall,” he joked, drawing laughter from the gathering. “Go to the villages. Sit on the same mats with the old women. Listen to the boda boda riders. That is where real leadership is tested. If you are not field-oriented, you will fail.”
He reminded them that the people of Alebtong are watching and will judge them not by their speeches but by their visibility and action on the ground.
In response, several councillors welcomed Lutwama’s guidance, pledging to work closely with the Deputy RDC’s office. The newly elected LC5 Chairperson, Ambrose Ongom Ongom, who was present, assured Lutwama that the council would take the three points seriously.
“We have heard the Deputy RDC loud and clear,” Ongom Ongom said. “A new service commission, accountable roads, and livestock compensation monitoring – these are now our marching orders.”
The council adjourned shortly after, with many members already planning field visits to their respective sub-counties.
