In a move to ensure the continuity of governance, the Kagua Erave District Development Authority (KEDDA) Board has elected David Sule as its new Acting Chairman.
Mr Sule, the president of Kagua Central Rural Local Level Government, will serve as the Acting DDA Chairman until a new Member is declared for Kagua Erave electorate.
The election was conducted during a formal sitting held in Mendi on Thursday, 30th January 2026.
The proceedings were presided over by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of KEDDA, Ludwig Orapawa, and were witnessed by senior officials from the Southern Highlands Provincial Administration (SHPA), led by Deputy Provincial Administrator Dr. Emmanuel Kumpio Andrew.
Dr. Andrew clarified that the election was conducted in strict compliance with the District Development Authority Act 2014. He cited a Ministerial Directive issued by the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) on 10th January 2026, which mandated the appointment of an acting chairman to fill the leadership vacuum.
“This step is crucial to maintain uninterrupted service delivery and to oversee ongoing development projects within Kagua Erave District,” Dr. Andrew stated. “The arrangement is interim and will remain effective until a duly elected Member of Parliament assumes the substantive role of Chairman, as per the law.”
Hon. David Sule, who is the President of the Kagua Central Rural Local-Level Government, now takes on the additional responsibility of leading the district’s development authority.
Following the election, Dr. Andrew conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Southern Highlands Provincial Government, Governor Hon. William Powi, and Provincial Administrator Mr. David Kelma.
He further expressed the provincial government’s full support and commitment to collaborating with the new Acting Chairman and CEO Orapawa to advance the development agenda of Kagua Erave District.
The position of KEDDA Chairman became vacant following last year’s court decision to nullify former Kagua Erave MP Maino Paina’s elections victory.