Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has reshuffled his executive in what he described as an effort to reorganize and enhance service delivery across the county.
In the new changes, Andrew Nakitare has been moved from the Department of Public Service Management and Governance to head the Department of Treasury and Finance, replacing Douglas Okiring, who now moves to the Department of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning.
Topister Wanyama transitions from the department of Water to Roads and Public Works, taking over from Peter Odima, who shifts to the department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources. Pamela Awori returns to the Department of Public Service Management from Lands, Housing and Urban Planning.
Chief Officers have also been affected by the reshuffle with Ahmed Hefow being moved from Public Works to serve as Chief Officer in the County Treasury and Economic Planning.
Esau Onyapidi has been reassigned to the Department of Education and Industrial Training, taking over from Faustine Aunoi, who now moves to Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Aunoi replaces Vincent Wanjala, who has been moved to the department of Trade and Investments.
In other changes, Timothy Odende has been moved from Trade to Environment, Water, and Natural Resources; Gibson Wafula shifts to Health department, replacing Dr. Wilberforce Lusamba, who has been posted to the department of Strategic Partnership. John Muroki moves from Environment and Natural Resources to Roads and Public Works.
Mr Elijah Mwaro will serve as acting Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor while continuing in his role as Chief Officer for Smart Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy. Solomon Abwaku has been posted to Gender, Culture and Social Protection, replacing Pascilisa Barasa, who has been reassigned as Chief Officer for Security and Enforcement.
Governor Otuoma hinted at further changes once the ongoing contracting process is completed. He acknowledged persistent challenges in key sectors particularly health, education, and water and said the reshuffle is aimed at strengthening service delivery.
“We still have challenges in different areas, especially in health. We are working hard to improve services in our hospitals so that our people receive better care,” he said.
He noted that the county has undertaken several water projects to expand access and is finalizing more than 100 ECDE classrooms to improve learning conditions for young children.
The Governor added that the county is reorganizing Busia town to create a better business environment, including ongoing engagements with Ugandans to establish a Busia metropolis that will boost the local economy. “These plans will create more revenue for us,” he said.
On pending bills, the governor said the County has undertaken an audit to verify their authenticity and emphasized the need to strengthen its own source revenue to manage the challenge.
“We must work hard to raise our own revenue if we are to deal with pending bills. The funds we receive from the National Government must support development and also clear bills, which makes the situation difficult. With increased revenue collection, we will be able to handle it,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
