Residents of Pader district have expressed strong disapproval of comments made by Charles Ray Okwir, the newly reshuffled Secretary for Works and Technical Services, as his remarks were perceived as dismissive and derogatory.

One of the locals accused the district secretary for works and technical services for failure in working on the roads and ensuring they are in good shape.

In response to the accusations about the state of roads in the district, Okwir emphasized that the district lacks the mandate, budget, or plans for the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) roads, insisting that the district shall never repair the roads.

He urged residents to understand where to direct their grievances, commenting specifically about the road from Puranga to Acholibur, where a contractor was reportedly seeking materials in the area.

His comments sparked outrage among community members, and former Pajule Town Council District Councilor Goddy Ocaya remarked and admired Okwir’s brilliance during his tenure as RDC.

However, since his departure, it seems his decision-making has deteriorated, and he criticized Okwir for defending actions detrimental to public welfare, adding that his remarks demonstrate an inability to hold such a public office.

Many residents vowed to vote out the officials responsible for the current state of the roads in the upcoming 2026 elections.

They voiced concerns over the perceived neglect of Northern Uganda in terms of road maintenance and development.

Aruu County Dr. Christopher Komakech acknowledged the challenges in ensuring equitable development in Northern Uganda, attributing some of the issues to past insurgency.

As the community grapples with the state of its infrastructure, the comments by Okwir have sparked an important conversation about accountability and the urgent need for improvements in road conditions throughout the district.