New Soroti City Development Forum Leadership Pledges Collaboration, Accountability and Urban Transformation

By Skika Reporter.

The newly elected President of the Soroti City Development Forum (CDF), Rev. Elyanu Emmanuel, has pledged to advance collaboration, transparency, innovation and inclusive governance as he assumes leadership of the city’s key urban development platform.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new City Development Forum Executive Committee, Rev. Emmanuel Elyanu said the forum will work closely with technical leaders, political leadership, the business community, academia, health sector actors, transport stakeholders and residents to drive Soroti City’s development agenda.

He said his leadership would focus on practical governance built on teamwork and shared expertise. While acknowledging his academic background in Transformational Urban Leadership, he emphasized that real-world leadership would depend on collective effort.

“I am humbled and honored to lead this team… we shall contribute meaningfully to the leadership, mobilization, governance and development of Soroti City through collaboration with all stakeholders,” he said.

Rev. Emmanuel also paid tribute to the outgoing leadership led by Mr. Daniel Edepu, praising their service and describing them as a continued source of guidance for the new team.

“You have provided a roadmap for us. We shall continue seeking your guidance,” he said, adding humorously that consultations should remain free, drawing laughter from attendees.

He introduced a new vision for Soroti City as a “Prophetic, Prosperous and Peaceful City.” He explained that a Prophetic City acknowledges God’s guidance, a Prosperous City strengthens economic engagement with businesses and institutions, and a Peaceful City promotes safety, harmony and social cohesion.

He further committed the new executive to transparency, innovation, time management, teamwork and humility in service delivery, while encouraging stronger partnerships with the private sector and institutions involved in human capital development.

Outgoing CDF President Daniel Edepu emphasized the forum’s role as a bridge between communities, technical leadership and political authorities. He said CDF members serve as community mobilizers responsible for sensitizing residents, collecting feedback and relaying it to government structures.

“The Forum serves all government programs operating within the city, not just a single project,” he said, stressing inclusivity in engagement.

He highlighted the importance of teamwork, documentation and adherence to official procedures, noting that accurate reporting and evidence-based documentation are key performance requirements.

Mr. Edepu reflected on Soroti’s urban development journey, recalling past challenges that led to loss of funding due to accountability gaps.

He said collaboration between the forum, technical staff and stakeholders helped restore credibility and improve performance, positioning Soroti among Uganda’s best-performing municipalities.

He further noted that Soroti gained recognition in regional urban governance processes coordinated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), alongside cities such as Gulu, Masaka and Entebbe.

However, he pointed to persistent challenges including inadequate facilitation, limited funding, transport constraints and lack of office space. He urged continued support for the forum to enable it to effectively execute its mandate.

Soroti City Clerk Paul Batanda congratulated Rev. Emmanuel and commended Mr. Edepu for nearly five terms of leadership, describing the outgoing team as professional, committed and instrumental in strengthening city development systems.

He noted that city development forums in Uganda have often faced challenges of accountability and funding but said Soroti’s forum stood out for maturity and professionalism. He urged leaders to leave positive legacies, likening impact to a snail that leaves a visible trail.

He also called for adequate budgeting and institutional support for CDF operations as new urban development programmes are implemented.

Representing Mayor Francis Esudu, Deputy Mayor Helen Amongin praised both incoming and outgoing leadership, noting the forum’s role in improving Soroti City’s profile among development partners, including engagement with the French Development Agency.

She commended the outgoing executive for its sacrifices and urged the new leadership to strengthen partnerships, mobilize investment opportunities and help mediate disputes, especially land conflicts, before they escalate.

She called for unity, dialogue and family-like cooperation in addressing city challenges, and urged technical leadership to provide logistical and institutional support to the forum.

The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the new executive and renewed commitments from all stakeholders to strengthen cooperation between the community, technical administration and political leadership in advancing sustainable urban development in Soroti City.