In 2023, Kapelebyong authorities banned Karamojong pastoralists from entering the district due to escalating violence. However, the communities came together for a peace dialogue on Monday in Ayepenes village, Kapelebyong, where they resolved to unite as one Ateker community.
On December 12, 2024, the Kapelebyong District Council approved the renewal of the term of office for Herbert Otim, the chairperson of the commission; John Francis Obokor representing PWDs; Harriet Anyango; and John Michael Ojago, whose current term of office expires in November 2025.
Okinei’s troubles began last year when he raised an alarm against Kapelebyong LCV Chairman, Francis Akorikin, accusing him of soliciting money from applicants to secure jobs in the district.
The group includes Silver Ogwang, the Board Chairperson, Margret Akulo, the Board Secretary, Sarah Acham, the treasurer and Moses Opiding, the chairperson loans committee.
During the Barraza, Vincent Opio, the PDM SACCO Chairperson of Oderai Ward in Acowa Town Council accused the Parish Chief and the Community Development Officer (CDO) of including ghost beneficiaries on the list of beneficiaries.
The CAO has distanced himself from the advert that was published in the media. In a press statement issued on Friday, Lubuuka notes that his office didn’t approve the advertisement.
Ekunyu, who is due for retirement on July 15, 2022, sought a promotion to enable him to access a better retirement package. However, the District Service Commission failed to conduct interviews for unknown reasons. Ekunyu opted to seek assistance from Akorikin but his pleas were not considered.
Amuria and Kapelebyong District Councils have failed to pass their budget for the next financial year after councilors protested the non-payment of allowances and the absence of copies of the budget.
Those approved are Herbert Otim, as the Chairperson of the Commission and two other members; Harriet Anyango and John Michael Ejagu. The nomination of Philomena Akello and John Francis Obokor was rejected, according to Richard Ssebandeke, the Kapelebyong Chief Administrative Officer- CAO.
According to Angella Akurut, the Kapelebyong Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, the district has a gap of 22 parish chiefs and Town Agents out of the 55 parishes in the district.
The worst-hit areas are the six villages of Kobatum, Oburiateng, Ajeesai, Acanga, Amero and Oitu- all in Acowa Sub County, which were submerged after a heavy downpour that hit the area last week.
Nasser Mukiibi, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kapelebyong says that whereas staff would love to stay within the district, the area lacks rentals to accommodate staff. He says that by the time they started Kapelebyong district in 2018, the trading centre which hosts the district had only 15 commercial buildings which he notes didn’t have sanitary facilities.
The structure, its foundation has already been laid in the first phase is expected to be complete in the next five years using funds from the Discretionary Development Equalization Grant- DDEG. The three storey building, if completed will host 67 offices including council hall.
Margaret Welakira, the acting district health officer Kapelebyong says they lose up to 10 babies every quarter as mothers in labour delay access to the health facilities.
Kyeyune, who was in an emergency meeting with the production department, was shocked after hearing that there is no single success story of citrus farming in Kapelebyong.
The equipment was donated to farm groups when Kapelebyong was still under Amuria district- under the commercialization of agriculture project managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in 2016/2017 Financial Year.
“Some of the teachers who remained at school tried to control the community from grazing in the school compound but they were harassed. Some community members even threatened to beat up our teachers who attempted to stop them from grazing on the school compound”, Olaki said.
Richard Alioka, a farmer in Acowa Sub County says citrus farming has become very expensive to manage amidst challenges of low demand. Alioka says that he started orange farming in 2012 with five acres but notes that the management of orange trees is now costly than the output.
