Since its establishment in July 2020, Arua City has struggled with political polarization along political, tribal, and religious lines, which has stunted its growth and development potential.
The newly appointed Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Salim Kumakech, has vowed to combat the rampant politics of identity that he believes is hindering service delivery in the city.
Kumakech, who previously served as the Soroti Resident District Commissioner, replaced Charles Ichogor in the latest reshuffle of Resident District/City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs) and their deputies, announced by the Office of the President last month.
In his maiden address to the media on Tuesday, Kumakech committed to bridging the gap caused by identity-based politics, which has significantly stalled development and denied the local population essential social services. He urged key stakeholders to move away from such divisive politics and work collaboratively towards the city’s development.
//Cue in: “I’m not coming...
Cue out: …social service delivery.”//
Since its establishment in July 2020, Arua City has struggled with political polarization along political, tribal, and religious lines, which has stunted its growth and development potential.
Sabir Bakole, the councilor representing Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Arua City Council, welcomed the new RCC but emphasized the need to prioritize safety and security to address criminality in the city.
//Cue in: “We had a...
Cue out: …issue of security.”//
However, Benard Atiku, the former Ayivu County Member of Parliament, expressed frustration over the frequent transfer of RCCs in Arua City, noting that it disrupts work plans and is not a good sign for the city’s stability.
//Cue in: “These frequent reshuffles...
Cue out: …these frequent reshuffles.”//
Over the past three years, Arua City has seen a high turnover of Resident City Commissioners, with Kumakech being the fifth to hold the position after Nahori Oya, Martin Orochi, Alice Akello, and Charles Ichogor.
