EASTERN PROVINCE

NGOMA — The Eastern Province Governor Ephraim Kabaija has warned leaders who peddle their influence to illegally get what they want.

Kabaija was on Monday addressing students of APAPEN Secondary School in Kirehe. In attendance was also teaching staff and district leaders.

The Eastern Province Executive Secretary Gasana Charles was also present. Kabaija said that several leaders have used their offices to fulfill their own desires but not what they are entailed to do.

"You are occupying these offices because there are certain things you are required to do to help those you lead but not for your personal gains,” he said.

Kabaija was reacting on the last week’s scandal at the district level where a top district official allegedly used his position to get a student out of school at night.

The official has since then been arrested over the said allegation, two days before he was officially announced as resigned, by the District Council Committee (DCC).

Benson Muhikira who was the Vice Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Affairs has since been announced to fill the official’s position as an acting mayor.

The official is being detained at Kirehe prison pending court appearance. 

Governor Kabaija called on leaders to respect those they lead if they are to be respected. "It is respect of each other that will help you do proper work,” he said.

Addressing students, Kabaija said he spoke both as a parent and a leader, urging them to command a high level of discipline.

He said, "You will not achieve anything in life if you are indiscipline. Your passing, development all depend on what you are doing now.” 

He called on both students and the teaching staff to abide by the school rules and regulations and give respect to each other. 

"No one will respect you if you don’t respect your self,” he said. "No one is above the law and everyone who goes to a certain department has to follow its rules and regulations.”

The aim of Kabaija’s visit was to calm the situation and urge leaders to go back to their normal work that seem to have come to a stand still after the district mayor was arrested.

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