By Vicent Emong
KUMI — The newly sworn-in LC5 Chairperson of Kumi District, Stephen Opolot, and his Ngora District counterpart, James Robert Otim, have pledged to work together to improve road infrastructure and service delivery along the border areas connecting the two districts.
The commitment was made during the swearing-in ceremony of Stephen Opolot as Kumi District LC5 Chairperson, an event attended by leaders from neighboring districts, including Ngora LC5 Chairperson James Robert Otim, popularly known as “Aduk Moru.”
Speaking shortly after taking oath, Opolot emphasized that improving the district road network would be among the key priorities of his administration, particularly roads, culverts, and bridges linking Kumi and Ngora districts.
“We shall prioritize improving road networks, especially in border areas where roads and bridges are in a deteriorating condition,” Opolot said. “We will work hand in hand with Ngora District to ensure our people can move safely and access services without difficulty.”
He explained that poor road infrastructure has continued to affect transportation, trade, access to schools, and health services for communities living along the district boundaries.
The LC5 chairperson also pledged to strengthen the education sector by advocating for the establishment of seed secondary schools in newly created sub-counties that currently lack government secondary schools.
“Several new sub-counties still do not have seed secondary schools. We shall continue engaging government to ensure every sub-county benefits in line with the government policy,” Opolot stated.
He thanked residents of Kumi District for entrusting him with leadership and promised to serve diligently to transform the district through improved service delivery and accountability.
“The people of Kumi made the right choice, and I pledge to work tirelessly for the betterment of the district,” he added.
Opolot further stressed the need for strong cooperation between political leaders and technical staff in ensuring proper utilization of public resources.
“This is not a time for complacency. Corruption remains a major obstacle to service delivery, and I will ensure that district funds are utilized transparently and for their intended purposes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ngora District LC5 Chairperson James Robert Otim congratulated Opolot upon assuming office and called for closer cooperation between the two neighboring districts.
“Kumi and Ngora share a long history and common interests,” Otim noted. “Many of our border roads, culverts, and bridges are in poor condition, limiting movement and economic activities. Together, we shall repair this infrastructure to ease transport for our communities.”
Otim also urged residents to embrace government poverty eradication programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), warning beneficiaries against misusing funds intended to improve household incomes.
“We must ensure government programs serve their intended purpose. Beneficiaries should use the funds wisely to support their families and educate their children,” he said.
During the same ceremony, David Tukei was officially sworn in for a second term as Speaker of the Kumi District Council.
Tukei pledged to lead an inclusive council that prioritizes unity and equal representation for all communities across the district.
“We shall ensure that concerns from all communities are addressed to improve service delivery across the district,” Tukei said.
He emphasized that teamwork between the political leadership and technical staff would remain critical in achieving sustainable development.
District councilors who also took oath during the ceremony promised to effectively represent the interests of their constituents and raise key issues affecting local communities for action by the district leadership.
Leaders attending the event expressed optimism that the new administration would strengthen cooperation, improve infrastructure, and accelerate socio-economic development in both Kumi and neighboring districts.
