Governor Otuoma Reshuffles County Executives and Chief Officers to Boost Service Delivery

 

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has reorganised his executive and reassigned several Chief Officers in a major reshuffle aimed at improving service delivery across key county departments.

In the new changes, Andrew Nakitare moves from the Department of Public Service Management and Governance to head the Department of Treasury and Finance. He replaces Douglas Okiring, who has been transferred to the Department of Lands, Housing and Urban Planning.

Former Water Executive Topister Wanyama has been moved to the Department of Roads and Public Works, taking over from Peter Odima, who now heads Water, Environment and Natural Resources. Pamela Awori returns to the Public Service Management docket from Lands, Housing and Urban Planning.

The reshuffle also affects Chief Officers. Ahmed Hefow has been moved from Public Works to serve as Chief Officer in the County Treasury and Economic Planning. Esau Onyapidi will now serve in the Department of Education and Industrial Training, replacing Faustine Aunoi, who shifts to Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Aunoi takes over from Vincent Wanjala, who moves to the Department of Trade and Investments.

In other changes, Timothy Odende has been transferred from Trade to Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, while Gibson Wafula moves to the Health Department, replacing Dr. Wilberforce Lusamba, who has been posted to Strategic Partnership. John Muroki shifts from Environment and Natural Resources to Roads and Public Works.

Elijah Mwaro will serve as Acting Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor, in addition to his role as Chief Officer for Smart Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy. Solomon Abwaku has been assigned to Gender, Culture and Social Protection, replacing Pascilisa Barasa, who becomes Chief Officer for Security and Enforcement.

Governor Otuoma hinted at more changes once the ongoing contracting process is complete, acknowledging persistent challenges in health, education, and water sectors. He said the reshuffle is part of efforts to strengthen service delivery and address gaps that have hindered progress.

“We still have challenges in different areas, especially in health. We are working hard to improve services in our hospitals so that our people receive better care,” he said.

The governor highlighted ongoing water projects to expand access and the near-completion of over 100 ECDE classrooms aimed at improving learning conditions for young children.

He also noted efforts to reorganise Busia town to create a better business environment, including continued engagements with Ugandan authorities to establish a Busia metropolis that would spur economic growth. “These plans will create more revenue for us,” he added.

On pending bills, Governor Otuoma said the county has undertaken an audit to confirm their authenticity, stressing the need to enhance own-source revenue.

“We must work hard to raise our own revenue if we are to deal with pending bills. The funds we receive from the National Government must support development and also clear bills, which makes the situation difficult. With increased revenue collection, we will be able to handle it,” he said.