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By Lazaro Apunyo
Tension and sharp exchanges have rocked Moroto District Council, with a section of councillors accusing Speaker Emmanuel Lomuria of violating the law, suppressing debate and presiding over council proceedings in what they describe as a “kangaroo style.”
The dispute centres on the controversial nomination and approval of leaders to the Moroto District Service Commission, as well as the formation of council standing committees.
North Division Councillor Cosmas Ayepa says the process was rushed and lacked adequate scrutiny, claiming that councillors were denied the opportunity to properly examine the academic qualifications and suitability of some nominees.
Ayepa argues that members appointed to such bodies must meet the standards expected of public servants, including competence and high moral character.
The controversy has since widened, with Katikekile Sub-county Councillor Emmanuel Lokiru Lomonyang accusing the council leadership of procedural irregularities during the sitting.
Lokiru alleges that some council procedures violated provisions of the Local Governments Act, including the manner in which policy matters were presented before councillors.
He says the aggrieved councillors are now considering petitioning the Ministry of Public Service over the disputed nominations, seeking intervention before the appointments are implemented.
Loputuk Sub-county representative Rose Adero Lokii has also questioned the Speaker’s handling of the formation of standing committees.
She argues that councillors should have been given sufficient space to participate in the nomination and discussion of committee membership, accusing the Speaker of failing to remain neutral in a divided council.
Adero says the growing frustration among councillors is being fuelled by what she describes as a lack of coordination and limited opportunity for members to freely express their views.
But Speaker Emmanuel Lomuria has rejected the accusations, maintaining that his actions were aimed at ensuring the district complies with government directives and avoids delays in establishing key institutions required for the smooth running of district business.
Lomuria says the responsibility of councillors is to consider and approve matters brought before the council through the established structures.
As the political dispute deepens, the Resident District Commissioner, Benon Kwekirize, has warned that prolonged infighting could have consequences beyond the council chambers.
Kwekirize says it is ordinary residents of Moroto who stand to lose if disagreements among political leaders delay decisions, disrupt district operations or affect the delivery of public services.
He has urged councillors and the council leadership to put aside personal differences and resolve their disagreements within the framework of the law.
The wrangles now leave Moroto District Council facing a critical test: whether its leaders can resolve their differences and restore public confidence, or allow the political standoff to spill over into decisions that affect the services residents depend on.
