Kitgum District opened a new political chapter yesterday as Tony Blair Tolit Olenge was sworn in as the district’s new chairperson, alongside 45 councillors.
The ceremony, held at the Kitgum District Council Hall and presided over by Chief Magistrate Robert Ekirita, marked the formal handover of power from outgone chairperson Christopher Obol Arwai through Habib Abubakar, the Kitgum District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Tolit, who contested and won on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, defeated Obol Arwai in the 2026 local government elections, with 26,612 votes against Obol’s 9,206 votes.
In a move signaling a break from the previous administration, Tolit unveiled his executive committee immediately after taking oath.
He appointed Smith Opon, councillor for Mucwini West Sub-county, as District Vice Chairman, Charles Odera Otto, representing Pager Division, takes over as Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration.
Joyce Alwoch, female councillor for Omiya Anyima and Omiya Anyima West Sub-counties, was named Secretary for Social and Community Based Services.
Richard Can Odonga, the male workers’ councillor, will serve as Secretary for Works, Production, Marketing and Technical Services.
The appointments were received with applause from councilors and residents who filled the council hall.
The ceremony also saw a shake-up in the council’s presiding offices.
Oryem Charles Olweny, councillor for Namokora Sub-county, was elected District Speaker, defeating incumbent Ocen John Bosco in a 29-16 votes.
Latigo W. Calvin, the male councillor representing Persons with Disabilities, was elected Deputy Speaker. He defeated Rachel Aber, the female youth Councillor, with 31 to 13 votes.
For Tolit, the win comes after two unsuccessful attempts to become district chairperson under the Forum for Democratic Change.
He crossed to NRM ahead of the current election cycle and secured victory on his third try.
By Denis Opoka
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