Story by Obed Kankiriho
The Rukiga District Council has unanimously approved Jackline Nkamushaba, the female district councilor representing Muhanga Town Council, as the new Vice Chairman following the dismissal of Samuel Niwandinda.
Niwandinda was sacked by District Chairman Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere over allegations of insubordination and violating the oath of allegiance.
Nkamushaba’s approval came yesterday when Chairman Kakwerere presented her to the council for endorsement, barely two months after Niwandinda publicly criticized Kakwerere over service delivery issues.
However, the decision sparked a one-hour protest from some councilors, who demanded procedural clarification from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Hajjat Sharifah Nakintu, the legal custodian of district affairs.
The protesting councilors, including Godfrey Mukuru (Muhanga Town Council), Elly Katabazi (LC5 councilor for Kamwezi Sub-county), Brenda Ainembabazi (female district councilor for Bukinda Sub-county), Amed Bende (Mparo Town Council), and Adrine Tumukunde (female workers councilor), argued that Kakwerere had no authority to overturn Niwandinda’s appointment, which had been initially approved by a two-thirds majority of the District Council.
In response, CAO Nakintu cited Section 20(a) of the Local Government Act, which grants the District Chairman the authority to revoke the appointment of a committee member.
She also referred to Section 24 of the Interpretation Act, which empowers the Chairman to appoint, remove, suspend, reappoint, or reinstate officials.
Niwandinda, who also served as the Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, demanded that Kakwerere clarify the allegations of insubordination, insisting that his dismissal was politically motivated.
Defending his decision, Kakwerere stated that he could no longer work with Niwandinda as part of his executive team.
Kakwerere, however, defended his decision, stating that he could no longer work with Niwandinda on his executive team.
