Councilors in the two divisions of Lira City Council are demanding uncleared allowance of Shs 78 million for the previous financial year.
The 94 councilors of Lira City East and West divisions are demanding accumulated ex-gratia allowances that they say have taken a long time to be paid.
They said the city authorities have failed to address their demand, noting that the refusal by the authorities not to pay them the arrears leaves them [councilors] with no option but to seek legal redress.
They said they, as city councilors are entitled to a monthly emolument of Shs 250,000, city division Shs 175, 000, and town council and municipality Shs 35, 000.
They claimed in the financial year 2020/2021, they were paid Shs 35, 000 per month instead of the stipulated Shs 175,000.
The councilors pointed figures at the city authorities for failing to honor the recommended amount mentioned in the Local Government Act.
Schedule 1 and 3 of the Local Government Act 2017, states that district, municipal and city councilors are entitled to a monthly allowance [ex- gratia] of Shs 250,000 Shs 175,000 for city division councilors and Shs 35,000 for town council and municipal division Chairpersons.
Tom Oyie, a councilor of Lira City East Division said the money was too little even for authorities to misuse or misappropriate.
“This means instead of getting Shs 525,000 in a quarter, each of us got only Shs 315, 000,” Oyie explained.
“My question is, where do they put the remaining balance?” Oyie asked. Going by Oyie`s explanation, each councilor is demanding a balance of Shs 840,000.
He said they have notified the town clerk several times demanding an explanation but nothing has been done to put the matter to rest.
John Morris Ebong, another councilor said the money he was receiving is not even half of his monthly entitlement and this has affected his relationship with his voters.
City deputy town clerk, Patrick Ogweng attributed the error in the transition of Lira municipality to city status.
He said from the time Lira obtained a city status a number of releases in terms of funds are still under municipality and yet the government acknowledges Lira as a city.
“Efforts are being made to rectify the challenges, but I want to advise the councilors to be patient,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/lira-city-to-return-sh19bln-world-bank-money/
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