By Alfred Opio
Tension erupted at the Pallisa District headquarters on Tuesday after a group of angry councilors stormed the office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), demanding payment of three months’ unpaid allowances.
The visibly frustrated leaders, led by Deputy Speaker Joshua Omugit, forced their way into the CAO’s office around midday, accusing the district leadership of deliberately delaying their payments despite repeated reminders.
The protest temporarily disrupted normal operations as the councilors reportedly occupied the office and blocked access, preventing staff and members of the public from entering. Sources said the confrontation left Chief Administrative Officer Felix Alex Majeme shaken as he attempted to calm the situation.
Speaking during the standoff, Omugit—who also represents Kaukura Sub-county—said the councilors had exhausted all formal channels before resorting to direct action.
“We became annoyed and stormed the office because all other departments are not demanding any unpaid months. It is only us councilors who are demanding three months’ arrears,” he said.
Robert Oonyu, the councilor for Chelekura Sub-county, criticized what he described as the government’s failure to prioritize councilors despite their oversight responsibilities.
“Councilors play a big role in the district. We approve the district budget and oversee implementation. We wonder why the government does not put attention on us,” Oonyu said.
Betreace Asio, who represents Kameke and Obolliso Sub-counties, said the delayed payments had taken a toll on her family, noting that she has struggled to meet basic needs, including school expenses for her children.
“The money we are demanding would help me take my children to school. Currently, they are still at home because I cannot afford scholastic materials and other school requirements,” she said.
In response, Majeme clarified that councilors are compensated through honoraria and allowances rather than monthly salaries, adding that the payment process involves lengthy administrative procedures.
“You are paid through honoraria and allowances, not salaries. The process through which you are paid is a little bit long,” he told the protesting leaders, urging them to pursue amicable channels for addressing grievances.
The standoff reportedly lasted several hours before calm was restored. By press time, Pallisa District Local Government had not announced a timeline for clearing the outstanding arrears.
