Story by Aggrey Twesigye
Mbarara City Council councillors have threatened to impeach Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi for failing to convene an extraordinary meeting to address key financial and administrative concerns with the outgoing city town clerk, Assy Abireebe Tumwesigire.
The councillors claim their repeated requests through official letters have been ignored by both the town clerk and the mayor. Among the pressing issues they seek clarification on include the uncommitted funds amounting to 4.2 billion shillings, the arbitration controversy between MBJ Consults and Mbarara City Council, the status of the Bishop Stuart-Buremba road project, and the unspent budget balances as of July 1, 2024.
Jessica Mwijuka, the councillor representing workers, expressed concerns that the council risks losing significant funds due to lack of transparency. Nyamityoobora councillor Byansi Muhammad stated that councillors are left with no option but to impeach the mayor, accusing him of undermining their authority.
In response, City Council Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karusya urged the councillors to remain patient, confirming that a council meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday to address their concerns. Mayor Kakyebezi acknowledged receiving the councillors’ letter and confirmed that he has instructed the city town clerk to organize the requested extraordinary meeting. However, he dismissed the impeachment threats, stating that there are no valid grounds for such action.
