Lazarrus Oketch: We have put away our differences to work for greater Padhola

What the report says

Lazarrus Oketch, a founder member of the Jopadhola Community Association (TJC), said he and other youth leaders have set aside political disagreements to cooperate on development efforts for Padhola and the wider Tororo area. The remarks came after he led a delegation earlier this week to congratulate Jacob Markson Oboth, who is described by The Independent Uganda as the new Speaker of Parliament and the first speaker from Tororo district.

According to the report, the meeting took place in Tororo and brought together leaders from Nabuyoga town council, where Oketch and Oboth have long been political rivals and have previously competed for the area parliamentary seat. Oketch said the discussion focused on issues affecting Padhola and possible solutions, with reconciliation and joint work presented as the central outcome.

The article says the reconciliation has been welcomed by local elders and community figures, who see unity among leaders as important for development and poverty reduction. Usher Owere, identified as a minister of Tieng Adhola and veteran workers’ leader, said cooperation could help lift Budama Central, Padhola and the Bukedi sub-region.

The Independent Uganda also noted that TJC has spent about a decade promoting development initiatives for Jopadhola, including a 10-point programme and community conferences. In that broader context, the meeting is being framed as a sign that local political competition may be giving way to coordinated planning for economic transformation.