Expect the Best of Me’: Deputy RCC James Kyomya Outlines Vision for Soroti City West at Chemtai’s Farewell.

By: Eyangu Raymond

The Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Soroti City West, James Kyomya, has pledged to strengthen government service delivery, intensify the fight against corruption in public programs and work closely with political, cultural and community leaders to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

Kyomya made the commitment while speaking at a farewell dinner organized in honour of his predecessor, James Chemtai Small, who was recently transferred to Kumi District. The event attracted government officials, political leaders, members of the business community, cultural leaders, and residents who gathered to celebrate Chemtai’s service while welcoming Kyomya into his new role.

Beginning his remarks, Kyomya commended the people of Soroti City for organizing what he described as a rare and deserving farewell for Chemtai, saying the gesture demonstrated the community’s appreciation for dedicated public service.

“I want to thank the community of Soroti City for organizing this farewell for my brother Chemtai James Small. It is something unique and not common,” Kyomya said.

Drawing from his own experience, he recalled receiving a similar farewell after serving for three years in Kumi District and thanked the business communities of both Kumi and Soroti City for recognizing public servants who diligently execute their responsibilities.

He reminded residents that Resident City Commissioners and their deputies are deployed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to represent the Office of the President and ensure that government programs directly benefit ordinary citizens.

He added that one of his key priorities would be strengthening transparency and accountability in the implementation of government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM), restocking initiatives, and road maintenance funds.

According to Kyomya, although the government continues to invest billions of shillings in poverty alleviation and infrastructure development, corruption, extortion, and misuse of public resources continue to deny many deserving beneficiaries the intended support.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the rightful beneficiaries receive government support. We have seen cases of extortion in PDM and challenges in other programs. We must monitor these projects to ensure public funds are used for their intended purpose,” he said.

While acknowledging that officials who enforce accountability often face resistance from individuals benefiting from corruption, Kyomya pledged to remain committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.

He further appealed to residents, political leaders, and other stakeholders to work closely with his office, emphasizing that meaningful development can only be achieved through unity and collective effort.

“I request the people of Soroti City to support and guide me as we work together. Our common goal is to improve the welfare of our communities,” he said.

At the same time, Kyomya pledged to strengthen collaboration with cultural institutions in the Teso sub-region, including His Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot of the Iteso Cultural Union and Won Ateker Papa Kumam Raphael Otaya. He noted that cultural leaders remain important partners in mobilizing communities and ensuring government programs are understood and embraced by the people.

“I will continuously consult and work with our cultural leaders so that government programs are well understood and embraced by the people,” he noted.

He also assured residents that he would build on the foundation laid by Chemtai James Small instead of beginning afresh.

“Where Chemutai stopped is where I intend to continue. The people of Soroti City West should expect the best of me,” he declared.

Having previously supervised 145 parishes in Kumi District, Kyomya observed that overseeing Soroti City West’s 30 wards and 67 cells would enable him to engage communities more frequently. Consequently, he announced plans to conduct village-to-village mobilization campaigns, organize community Barraza, sensitize residents on government programs, and strengthen public participation in development initiatives.

“We are going to reach every village, mobilize all stakeholders, and ensure that everyone speaks one language of socio-economic transformation. Together, we shall ensure that government programs improve the lives of our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Resident City Commissioner James Chemtai Small expressed gratitude to the people of Soroti City for the overwhelming support and appreciation they accorded him during his farewell following his transfer to Kumi District.