By : Our Reporter

Leaders of Ayivu Division in Arua City have started a four-day induction programme aimed at clarifying their roles and responsibilities and resolving conflicts arising from overlapping mandates between elected leaders and technical staff.

The training, organised by the Ministry of Local Government in partnership with Muni University, brings together 84 councillors, technical officers and other stakeholders to strengthen leadership, improve coordination and enhance service delivery.

Ayivu Division Mayor Avutia Malon said the programme was timely, noting that some leaders had struggled to understand their mandates, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts that sometimes affected the work of other departments.

He said the induction would equip leaders with the knowledge needed to understand their responsibilities and work effectively with other stakeholders.

The training covers council procedures, laws governing local governments, effective participation in council debates, and the roles of different stakeholders in revenue mobilisation and collection.

Ezuru Charity, the division’s Female Youth Councillor, said the programme would improve leaders’ capacity to implement council plans and address gaps in the execution of activities across different sectors.

She noted that limited knowledge and skills among some leaders had affected the implementation of planned activities, ultimately undermining service delivery to communities.

Godfrey Andabati, councillor representing Komite Ward, said understanding the laws governing local government operations was essential for leaders to perform their duties within their legal mandates.

He expressed hope that the training would help councillors understand the limits of their authority and avoid actions that contravene the law.

Meanwhile, Moreen Abalo, councillor representing Ambeko, Ombokoro and Wandi wards, said the induction would strengthen her performance as a first-term councillor, particularly in council debates, monitoring government programmes and managing time effectively.

The four-day induction began on Tuesday and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, with officials from Muni University and VNG International facilitating the sessions.