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By Dramadri Federick Arua City Former Arua City Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua has officially handed over office to the City Clerk, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year political journey characterized by leadership, decentralization efforts, and urban development a
By Dramadri Federick
Arua City
Former Arua City Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua has officially handed over office to the City Clerk, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year political journey characterized by leadership, decentralization efforts, and urban development advocacy.
During the official handover ceremony held on May 13, 2026, just a day after the Presidential swearing-in ceremony, Nyakua called on the incoming city leadership to prioritize tackling food insecurity and corruption, which he described as major threats affecting communities and governance in Arua City.
In his farewell remarks, Nyakua expressed concern over the increasing levels of malnutrition linked to food insecurity, particularly in Peri-urban communities where many households struggle to access adequate meals despite engaging in agriculture.
He also criticized what he termed as “syndicate corruption” within public institutions, saying it continues to frustrate accountability efforts and weaken service delivery among political leaders and technocrats.
Nyakua cited the controversial UGX 2.023 billion USMID-AF funds dispute as one of the examples that exposed misunderstandings between political leaders and technical staff within the city administration.
“Many people know civil servants as people who love corruption and embezzling money. That is why we resolved that the contractor, China Railway Seventh Group Company Limited, be paid the over UGX 1.5 billion owed, while the remaining UGX 2.021 billion be redirected towards procurement of solar street lighting,” Nyakua stated.
He further questioned the growing social inequality within the city, noting the irony that residents in urban centers often have better access to food compared to families in peri-urban areas with agricultural land.
“It is funny that people in the town center who don’t even have gardens eat timely meals, while those with gardens in peri-urban settings survive on one meal a day. What kind of dilemma is that?” he questioned.
Reflecting on his tenure, Nyakua highlighted several achievements accomplished during his leadership.
Among them was the procurement of a UGX 1.2 billion road grader (Excavator) purchased using locally generated revenue to improve road rehabilitation across the city.
He also revealed that the city successfully negotiated development projects worth UGX 8 billion funded by KFW, which are currently under implementation.
Additionally, Nyakua said his administration mobilized UGX 3 billion in support from Cities Alliance to help address increasing pressure on city resources caused by self-settled refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants living in Arua City.
The outgoing mayor also reflected on his broader political career, particularly his contribution to Uganda’s decentralization process.
During his time as Arua District Chairperson, separate local government entities including Maracha, Terego, Madi Okollo, Vurra, and Ayivu were curved out of the greater Arua district.
Nyakua began his political journey after resigning from the teaching profession. He first entered leadership as a District Youth Councillor in Arua District Council and later served as Secretary for Finance in 2006 under then LC5 Chairperson Richard Andama Ferua.
After completing that term, he was elected Arua District Chairperson, serving two consecutive terms from 2011 to 2021 before becoming the first Mayor of Arua City in 2021.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Town Clerk David Kyasanku praised Nyakua as a people-centered leader and a strong mobilizer who built valuable partnerships for the city.
“Mayor, thank you for making many friends for this council. Mayor has no tribalism, Mayor has no issues, he loves everybody as he is,” Kyasanku mentioned.
Arua Resident City Commissioner Betty Akello Otekat also commended Nyakua for his openness, dedication, and service to the people of Arua, while encouraging him to remain active in community affairs even after leaving office.
“I like him for his openness, and for us we shall not tolerate tendencies of corruption. Mayor, I wish you well, but also invite us home wherever you will be,” Akello remarked.
Nyakua leaves office as one of the most influential political figures in West Nile, with supporters crediting him for strengthening local governance structures, championing urban development, and advocating for inclusive leadership over the last two decades.