Pader, Uganda – The transfer of Pader District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Milton Odongo to Napak District has sparked mixed reactions among civil servants, opinion leaders, political figures, and local residents. The news of his transfer has particularly shocked the people of Pader, where Odongo had made a name for himself in the fight against corruption and in improving service delivery.
The transfer has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on the fight against corruption, service delivery, and the political dynamics in Pader District. Many of Odongo’s supporters are disappointed, with some calling for the transfer to be reversed if possible. Odongo has been replaced by Amos Asiimwe, a move that has left some residents questioning the future of anti-corruption efforts in the district.
During his tenure, Odongo was known for his firm stance against corruption, particularly in dealing with issues such as the Acholi War Debt claimants, the stalled Ludel Irrigation Project (which is valued at over 700 million UGX), the misuse of government motorbikes by some technical staff, and absenteeism by some account assistants who operated government services online instead of being at their workstations. Many residents had hoped that Odongo would continue to address these pressing issues.
One local leader in Pader Town Council, when contacted by our reporter, stated that they had hoped for an RDC with a military background to replace Odongo, citing the belief that some leaders in Pader with military backgrounds may not be easily monitored by a civilian RDC.
Oringa Largo Godfrey, former Pader District Chairman (former LCV), expressed concerns that Odongo’s transfer could lead to a delay in tackling corruption and improving service delivery in the district. However, he stated that he had confidence in the incoming RDC, Amos Asiimwe. Oringa also revealed that he plans to contest for the position of LCV Chairman in the 2026 elections to help address the challenges currently facing Pader District.
When contacted, RDC Milton Odongo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Pader and reaffirmed his commitment to his new position in Napak, despite the political tensions his transfer has created in Pader. Some local leaders have celebrated his departure, while others have raised concerns about the potential negative effects on service delivery.
Odongo’s leadership in Pader was marked by his strong anti-corruption stance and his efforts to ensure efficient use of government resources. He oversaw the implementation of government policies, maintained law and order, and worked to root out corruption in the district administration. His tenure was seen as a departure from previous administrations, which many local leaders felt had been lenient on corruption.
Despite his successes, Odongo’s aggressive approach to corruption, including exposing unethical behavior by local leaders and officials, strained his relationships with some political figures in the district. Following his transfer, reports emerged that some local leaders were celebrating, with rumors suggesting that some of those celebrating were linked to corruption scandals that Odongo had investigated. Some sources, speaking anonymously, suggested that the celebration was a reaction to Odongo’s scrutiny of these leaders.
This celebration highlights the divisive impact of Odongo’s leadership. While some local leaders saw him as a reformer, others viewed his anti-corruption efforts as a threat to their political positions and interests, especially with the upcoming 2026 elections.
Impact on Service Delivery
The celebration surrounding Odongo’s departure raises serious concerns about the future of governance and service delivery in Pader. If the new RDC, Amos Asiimwe, does not take a similarly firm stance against corruption, there is a risk that the progress made under Odongo could be undone. Corruption at the local level often leads to the misallocation of resources, inefficiency in public services, and a loss of trust in local government.
This could have a direct impact on essential sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, which are crucial to the well-being of the people of Pader. Moreover, the political tensions and conflicts between Odongo and some local leaders could undermine the ability of the new RDC to effectively manage the district. The resulting instability may delay the implementation of development programs and hinder the delivery of key services.
The central government has a critical role to play in ensuring that the transfer does not create a power vacuum that allows corruption to thrive once again. It must ensure that the leadership transition is smooth and that transparency, accountability, and service delivery remain at the forefront of Pader’s governance.
Looking Ahead
The transfer of RDC Milton Odongo to Napak District is a significant event that will have lasting implications for Pader’s governance and service delivery. While some local leaders celebrate his departure for personal or political reasons, these celebrations raise concerns about the future of anti-corruption efforts and the quality of public services in the district.
The incoming RDC, Amos Asiimwe, will play a pivotal role in determining whether Pader continues on its path toward transparency and good governance or regresses into the political challenges that plagued the district before Odongo’s tenure. The central government must ensure that the transition of leadership is not only smooth but also reinforces the district’s commitment to accountability and service excellence.
Our news desk will continue to monitor the handover process between the outgoing RDC Milton Odongo and the incoming RDC Amos Asiimwe.
