Lira City: Asst. RCCs Odongo, Olang face criticism as residents call for their dismissal

Lira City | Residents of Boroboro Ward in Lira City East Division have levelled serious accusations against the Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City West Division, Sam Olang, citing abuse of office and intimidation of innocent citizens using his official authority.

The residents claim that Olang has misused the power entrusted to him since his appointment, creating an atmosphere of fear and impunity within the community.

The grievances come on the heels of the recent LC1 chairperson elections held nationwide on July 28, 2026.

During the exercise, community members raised formal complaints alleging that Olang had overstepped his mandate by operating in Lira City East Division—an area under the jurisdiction of Deputy RCC Steven Odongo.

According to the residents, Olang’s activities in both divisions are not reflected in his official appointment letter, raising questions about the legality of his actions.

Speaking to our reporter on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Duka Sam, one of the candidates in the elections, accused Olang of deploying soldiers to polling stations in an attempt to intimidate voters who sought a free and fair process.

Duka further alleged that Olang’s conduct was influenced by personal interest, as his brother was among the contestants. “Olang must be investigated over his conduct in relation to the electoral process and his interactions with the community,” Duka stated.

He also called for immediate action to restore public confidence, stressing that no government official, including Olang, should be above accountability.

Duka urged authorities to address the allegations of intimidation, abuse of office, and misuse of authority, while guaranteeing the safety and dignity of all residents, irrespective of their political or social standing.

Another candidate, Paul Opene, condemned Olang’s behaviour as unacceptable for the people of Boroboro. “This is now too much. Olang’s actions have not only compromised the credibility of the electoral process but have also eroded public trust in leadership.

“Ordinary citizens now feel unsafe to speak openly, fearing retaliation due to his perceived influence and authority. Action must be taken against him,” Opene asserted.

Echoing the concerns, candidate Solomon Okunyu highlighted the degrading manner in which Olang has reportedly addressed residents during public interactions.

Many community members recounted being spoken to in a tone that suggested Olang associates his position with being above the law, given his ties to the ruling government. Okunyu noted that this behaviour has created a deeply frightened and powerless atmosphere among the residents.

Meanwhile, Santa Angela, a female councillor representing Boroboro East and West Wards, called for the immediate transfer or complete dismissal of Olang Sam from his position.

Angela further alleged that Olang physically assaulted his own bodyguard and ordered him to fire multiple bullets into the air during the PDM SACCO elections—an event where his brother was also a contestant for the secretary position.

This, she said, underscores a pattern of reckless and dangerous conduct.

A cross-section of the community has appealed to the Office of the Presidency, through the Minister for the Presidency, to intervene and take decisive action on the matter.

The residents have also accused Deputy RCC Steven Odongo and Assistant RCC Sam Olang of orchestrating the arrest of Denis Arao, a journalist working for tndNews, Uganda, and Pearl FM Radio.

They questioned why Odongo had allowed Olang to operate freely within his jurisdiction.

According to Odongo, Olang Sam’s case is already before his supervisor, Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner at the main office.

“Therefore, as the Deputy RCC for Lira City East Division, I only went to Boroboro to intervene in matters concerning the names of registered voters,” Odongo said