Lawyer Samuel Ondoma Sworn in as Arua City Land Board Chairperson
Samuel Ondoma while taking oath as the new Arua City Land Board Chairperson on Wednesday
ARUA CITY — Samuel Ondoma, a prominent senior lawyer in the West Nile region, has been sworn in as the new Chairperson of the Arua City Land Board.
Counsel Ondoma replaces Hon. Benard Atiku, who resigned to pursue active politics. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in the Mayor’s Office.
Ondoma, a practicing lawyer and former member of the City Land Board, took the oath of office before Commissioner for Oaths, Counsel Henry Odama.
In the same ceremony, Bosco Okua Adukule was sworn in as a board member, bringing the board to its full complement of five members as stipulated by the Land Act.
In his handover remarks, outgoing Chairperson Atiku thanked the city leadership for the opportunity to serve.
He highlighted that since 2022, the board had approved over 2,000 freehold files and 276 leaseholds, among other achievements, despite challenges such as limited resources and staffing shortages.
The incoming Chairperson, Counsel Ondoma, pledged to fast-track land file approvals and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to timely service delivery and revenue generation.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of West Nile, and particularly the residents of Arua City, as Chairperson of the Arua City Land Board. I will not do this work alone; I will ensure strong teamwork. We are going to work as a dedicated team” Ondoma said.
He added: “We are aware that many files are pending, over 7,000 in total. We will hold regular meetings to review them, approve where possible, or defer where necessary, because not every file can or should be approved immediately.”
Ondoma emphasized accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance to corruption during the board’s four-year term.
“This is not my office; it is the people’s office. We must deliver to the public’s expectations. If we fall short, the people have every right to question us, and we must explain,” he said. “I expect every member, including myself, to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency. Personally, I do not tolerate corruption.”
He also committed to improving communication between the public and the lands office, promising greater transparency about the board’s activities. Additionally, Ondoma announced plans for widespread sensitization on land issues to reassure residents that the city has not come to take away their land.
Meanwhile, the city leadership, led by Mayor Sam Wadri Nyakua, pledged increased support to help clear the backlog of land files.
The mayor urged the new board to protect public land vigorously and to continue educating residents on the importance of proper land titling.