Former Soroti Deputy RCC Chemutai James Small Receives Hero’s Farewell, Credits Soroti Community for Memorable Service.
By Raymond Eyangu.
Former Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Soroti City West Division, James Chemutai Small, has praised the people of Soroti City for according him a rare and emotional farewell, describing the ceremony as a reflection of the unity, friendship and cooperation that characterized his tenure in office.
The colourful farewell ceremony, held at Hyde Park in Soroti City, attracted hundreds of leaders and residents from across the Teso sub-region and beyond. The event was presided over by the Chief Guest , His Royal Highness Papa Raphael Otaya, the Kumam Cultural Leader.
Also in attendance were Soroti City Mayor Francis Esudu Obwonyo, Soroti City west Division Mayor John Enomu, RCCs politicians, heads of government institutions, members of the business community, and a delegation of staff from Kumi District Local Government.
Addressing the gathering, Chemutai expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming show of love and appreciation, saying the celebration was not only about him but also about the collective achievements realized through teamwork and cooperation.
“I am deeply humbled and sincerely honoured by the love, recognition, and generosity that you have shown me today. You are not celebrating me alone, but celebrating the unity that we achieved together as a team in Soroti City,” he said.
Chemutai described the farewell as one of the greatest honours of his life, noting that few public servants have the privilege of being appreciated while they are still alive.
“To be celebrated while still alive and able to hear kind words of love when you are still breathing is another thing altogether.
I will never take this recognition lightly because it reminds me that service carried out with sincerity, humility, and consistency leaves a lasting impact,” he remarked.
He urged leaders and residents to preserve the spirit of unity and cooperation that has enabled effective service delivery in Soroti City, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved when leaders and communities work together.
Chemutai paid special tribute to His Royal Highness Papa Raphael Otaya for accepting to officiate at the ceremony and for the guidance he provided throughout his service in the Teso sub-region.
He described the cultural leader as a father figure whose wisdom and encouragement inspired him during his stay in Soroti.
He also applauded the people of Teso for their hospitality, kindness and unwavering support, saying they made the region feel like home.
He further appreciated the delegation from Kumi District Local Government and visitors from the Sebei sub-region for travelling to Soroti to celebrate with him, describing their presence as evidence of the lasting relationships he had built during his public service.
The farewell ceremony featured glowing tributes from leaders and community members, who commended Chemtai for his humility, accessibility and commitment to serving all people without discrimination.
Many expressed confidence that wherever he is deployed, he will continue to uphold the integrity, dedication and selfless service that earned him admiration in Soroti City.
Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut praised Chemtai for his exemplary leadership, describing his transfer to Kumi District as recognition of his dedication and commitment to public service.
Okurut said the overwhelming turnout at the farewell ceremony demonstrated the confidence that the people of Soroti City have in the Office of the Resident City Commissioner.
Okurut explained that transfers within the Office of the President are routine, stressing that Chemtai’s redeployment was not a punishment but recognition that his experience was needed elsewhere.
As the Chief Guest of Honor, His Royal Highness Papa Raphael Otaya, head of the Kumam Cultural Heritage, described Chemtai as a leader destined for greater national responsibility, saying his current office did not fully reflect his leadership potential.
Using the African proverb, “Your mother’s milk is in your chest,” Papa Otaya said Chemtai’s upbringing and values had shaped him into a dependable and trustworthy public servant.
He challenged government officials to recognize and fully utilize Chemtai’s abilities, recalling that he had once predicted Peter Pex would become a Member of Parliament, a prediction that later came to pass.
“The office James Chemtai is holding is too small for him. One day he will leave it for a better office,” Papa Otaya said.
He thanked the people of Kapchorwa for producing what he described as “a blessed son” and said the people of Kumi were fortunate to receive such a committed leader.
He also recognized Chemtai’s wife, saying every successful man is supported by a strong woman.
Beyond celebrating Chemutai, Papa Otaya used the occasion to deliver a powerful message on integrity and national unity. Quoting 1 Timothy 6:6–10, he urged public officials to reject corruption and faithfully protect public resources.
“Have your eyes on public money, but keep your hands off it. Those resources are meant to serve the people, not individuals,” he emphasized.
He further appealed for a corruption-free Uganda and expressed his dream of a crime-free Teso where people of all tribes live together peacefully.
Referring to Uganda’s Constitution, he called upon all citizens to promote national unity, peace, and harmony while rejecting tribalism and discrimination.
Addressing security leaders, Papa Me kumam urged them to continue promoting peace and equal opportunity, stressing that Soroti City belongs to all Ugandans regardless of tribe or place of origin.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for Chemtai’s success in his new assignment and renewed calls for unity, accountable leadership, and effective implementation of government programmes.
Leaders expressed confidence that the incoming Deputy RCC, James Kyomya, would build on the strong foundation laid by Chemtai to further improve service delivery and socio-economic transformation in Soroti City West.
