Busia Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has issued a caution to leaders, advising them against sowing discord among communities residing in Busia.
He urged the political class to prioritize promoting peace and harmony within the county.
Speaking at Kakapel in Teso North on Tuesday during the annual Iteso Cultural Festival, Governor Otuoma called on Members of County Assembly (MCA) to refrain from engaging in divisive and premature politics and instead focus on serving the constituents who elected them.
"You cannot be elected today and the following day you hit the campaign trail again. This is what is derailing development, and it is immoral,” Otuoma added.
The ODM Governor noted that persistent politicking had brought everything, including children's education and agriculture, to a standstill.
He dismissed claims by leaders asserting that the county government was neglecting the Teso region in terms of development.
"MCAs just passed the supplementary budget the other day on Friday. And that's our first main budget of my government. So which is this other budget upon which some people are claiming we have developed other parts of the county and by-passed Teso?" he paused.
Otuoma implored the present leaders to refrain from misleading the public for political gain.
He emphasized the importance of focusing on the welfare of the people who elected them. In response, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera urged Governor Otuoma to take decisive action against individuals he labeled as "cartels," asserting his commitment to effective governance.
The Iteso Cultural Leader, Paul Sande Emolot, who attended the event, appealed to all leaders to unite for the sake of fostering both unity and development.
Also present was Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Busia County Assembly Speaker, Fredrick Odilo, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Office of the President Arthur Osiya and Tororo South MP from the neighbouring Uganda, Fredrick Ang'ura.