Arua city mayor pledges to eliminate tribal, religious conflicts

Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  New Arua City Sam Wadri Nyakua has promised to deal with tribal and religious conflicts in the area. 

Nyakua, the former LCV Chairman of Arua District won the Mayoral seat with 13, 600 votes against his closest rival Isa Kato who obtained over 13,400 votes. However, Kato petitioned the High Court of Arua seeking nullification of Nyakua’s victory. 

In his inaugural speech on Tuesday, Nyakua said that the recently concluded political campaigns were based along tribal and religious lines which divided the electorate. According to Nyakua, he will promote unity and harmony in the new council. 

“I want us to stop further politicking and embark on the mobilization of the people in the City for gainful activities and ensure a clean and flat ground for private sector-led development in the City,” Nyakua said. 

Nyakua also vowed to ensure that petty investors dealing in retail businesses are not availed the opportunity to drag behind the development. 

Gloria Yako Teddy, the newly elected Speaker for Arua City Council said that she will steer the young Arua City to greater heights. Yako however, urged the councillors to exhibit better cooperation with the technical team.

Arua City Council has 20 members including the City Mayor and their swearing-in was followed by the swearing-in of the newly elected leaders of residual Arua district in the Community Hall by the Chef Magistrate of Arua Daniel Lubowa. 

Security remained tight around Arua City Council offices with routes near the council hall blocked to the public as the swearing-in was conducted. There were fears that supporters of Kato could demonstrate against the swearing-in.  

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