By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — The outgoing LC5 Chairperson of Pallisa District, Patrick Duchu, on Monday officially began the transition process by tentatively handing over office responsibilities to the district Chief Administrative Officer ahead of the official swearing-in ceremony later this week.
The handover ceremony, held at the district council chambers on May 11, 2026, marked the end of Duchu’s five-year tenure as district chairperson.
During the ceremony, office equipment and official responsibilities were temporarily received by the Chief Administrative Officer, Felix Alex Majeme, who is expected to later hand over the office to the LC5 chairperson-elect, Ben Okiria, during the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 13.
Speaking during the handover, Duchu explained that he opted for an early and tentative transition because he would not be available during the official swearing-in exercise due to unavoidable circumstances.
“Having been sworn in as district chairperson on the 18th of May 2021, today I end that journey,” Duchu said.
He thanked the people of Pallisa for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities over the last five years and appreciated the district technical staff, district executive committee, and district council for supporting his administration throughout his tenure.
“I want to thank all the people of Pallisa who enabled me to come into office. I also thank the technical team with whom I have worked and the district executive committee that supervised most of the activities we implemented,” he said.
Duchu further applauded the district council for supporting his administration through legislation and cooperation that enabled implementation of various government programs.
“I thank council for enabling me to fulfill my role by legislating every activity that we carried out as a district,” he added.
The outgoing chairperson formally handed over office responsibilities to the Chief Administrative Officer as required by procedure and wished the incoming leadership success.
“I want to wish the people of Pallisa a safe journey through the next five years, and I wish the incoming leaders success as they serve the people of Pallisa to the best of their abilities,” Duchu remarked.
He also revealed that he would travel to Kampala shortly after the ceremony to take some time off following the end of his term in office.
“I will not be around during the swearing-in ceremony because I am rushing to Kampala to rest my brain and later decide on what next to do,” he said.
Receiving the office on behalf of the district administration, Chief Administrative Officer Felix Alex Majeme explained the temporary arrangements that will allow him to oversee the office until the chairperson-elect officially assumes office.
Majeme said he would delegate his duties as CAO to his deputy while he temporarily occupies the office of the district chairperson during the transition period.
“I am going to use my small powers to delegate the office of CAO to my deputy for tomorrow and part of Wednesday as I move to sit in the office of the chairperson because I have been handed over this office,” Majeme said.
He added that after officially handing over to the incoming chairperson, both he and his deputy would return to their substantive offices.
Majeme also lightened the mood with a humorous remark about leadership responsibilities.
“The chair is sweet but at the same time it burns. I want to see how this sweet chair of the chairperson is sweet and how it burns,” he joked.
Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner of Pallisa, Majid Dhikusooka, praised Duchu for his service and dedication during his five years in office.
“I want to thank you for serving your people,” Dhikusooka said.
The RDC commended Duchu for what he described as integrity, commitment, and cooperation throughout his term, noting that the two leaders had worked closely together.
“We have moved together for five years. I can even write a book about you,” Dhikusooka remarked.
He also applauded the generally peaceful political environment that prevailed in Pallisa during Duchu’s leadership.
“We have not witnessed major fights in Pallisa. The only tensions came during elections, which is normal because everybody wants to win,” he said.
The ceremony attracted district officials, political leaders, and technical staff who gathered to witness the symbolic transition as Pallisa prepares for a new political administration under the incoming LC5 chairperson.
