Nwoya leaders inducted as expert warns against illegal land charges

More than 170 grassroots leaders in Nwoya District have been equipped with leadership skills to boost service delivery, but they say they need more than knowledge to serve.

The leaders, including LC1s, LC2s, and women council leaders — were taken through an induction training organised by Nwoya District Woman MP, Lanyero Christine Awany, aimed at strengthening grassroots leadership.

Awany said the training was meant to help leaders understand their roles and responsibilities better and serve their communities effectively. She urged them to put what they had learned into practice.

Expert Warns Against Illegal Charges

Local government expert Lucy Lapoti, who facilitated the training, said knowledge gaps among grassroots leaders, especially first-timers, affect service delivery.

Lapoti urged leaders to handle land disputes lawfully and warned them against imposing illegal charges during land transactions.

She called on the government to improve their remuneration, saying better pay would reduce corruption risks at the grassroots.

NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, who graced the induction, called for similar training to be rolled out to LC3s and district-level leaders, including LCV chairpersons.

Our Pockets Are Empty

While participants welcomed the induction, they said the real challenges remain on the ground.

The leaders decried meager salaries and lack of transport to cover vast villages under their jurisdiction.

They argued that without improved facilitation and transport, reaching residents, resolving disputes, and mobilising for government programs remains a nightmare.

The induction is expected to strengthen local governance by improving leaders’ understanding of their legal obligations and role in service delivery, but for many, the call is now for government to walk the talk — with better pay and transport.