ERUTE NORTH: Retired Major Emmy Johnson Opio, a contender for the Erute North Member of Parliament seat, has launched a scathing attack on the deep-seated culture of corruption in Lira District, vowing to make it the central issue of his campaign.
Addressing journalists and supporters, Maj. Opio alleged that a conspiracy of silence among local leaders has allowed technocrats to brazenly embezzle billions of shillings meant for critical development projects, leaving the community in poverty.
"Corruption is deep-rooted in Lira district, and leaders are just quiet while technocrats are eating money meant for development," Opio declared. "This silence must end, and accountability must be restored.”
The retired army officer presented two stunning examples to substantiate his claims. First, he pointed to the Financial Year 2024/25, where the government allocated Shs 1.75 billion for road rehabilitation.
"Out of this money, a staggering Shs 1.028 billion was eaten by corrupt officials," Opio stated. "Our roads remain in a deplorable state, while a select few have lined their pockets."
His second bombshell concerned the long-delayed construction of the Lira District headquarters in Ogur. Opio revealed that nearly one billion shillings was disbursed for the project, but to date, no visible work has been done on the site.
"The most shocking part," he continued, "is that accountability has been sent back to the government claiming the money has been put into use. This is an insult to the people of Lira."
Major Opio issued a stern warning to those involved, stating that he is prepared to name, shame, and bring them to justice. He revealed a key advantage in his fight: his ongoing collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House.
"I will not be silenced. I am ready to put to task the leaders and technocrats whose names are on these syndicated corruption rings," he asserted. "I have been working with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and can easily trigger investigations into these matters. The evidence is there."
He called on the voters of Erute North to join him in this fight, urging them to come out in large numbers to support a leadership that prioritizes their welfare over personal enrichment.
The major's public accusations are already causing ripples across the district's political and administrative landscape. According to reports, his bold move has induced "sleepless nights" for many current leaders and technocrats who now fear exposure and investigation.
The entry of a candidate with a military background and direct links to national anti-corruption bodies has significantly raised the stakes in the Erute North race, setting the stage for a contentious battle centered squarely on governance and accountability.
