“Even though some councillors were not successful in the recent elections, their tenure is not yet over. They must participate in laying and possibly approving the budget before new leaders assume office,” he said.
Business at Kayunga District headquarters on Monday came to a standstill after a section of councillors turned rowdy, accusing District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Malik Mahabbah of failing to pay their council and committee sitting allowances.
The councillors claimed they have gone unpaid for three consecutive council sittings and three committee sessions. Tensions escalated further when several councillors arrived at the headquarters expecting a council meeting where the 2026/2027 financial year budget was to be presented, only to find that the CAO and key executive members were absent.
Led by Sam Okwaligha and Rehemah Namulondo, the aggrieved councillors stormed the CAO’s office, forced staff out, and shut it down—paralyzing operations for several hours.
Despite the financial year nearing its end, councillors noted they have held only one council meeting, which they described as being conducted in bad faith.
“We came expecting the CAO, the Clerk to Council, the district chairperson Andrew Muwonge, and his executive team to be present so we could conduct council business. Unfortunately, none of them showed up, rendering our attendance useless despite the transport costs we incurred,” said Okwaligha.
District Speaker Saleh Bulinsoni suggested there could be a scheme to divert councillors’ allowances for personal interests. He accused the CAO and the district chairperson of evading accountability, warning that council business operates within strict timelines.
“Even though some councillors were not successful in the recent elections, their tenure is not yet over. They must participate in laying and possibly approving the budget before new leaders assume office,” he said. “The CAO and his team should not push us to withdraw completely and then expect to conduct critical business like budget approval.”
However, District Chairperson Andrew Muwonge dismissed the allegations, accusing the councillors involved in the standoff of pursuing personal interests. He also condemned the forceful closure of the CAO’s office, describing it as a criminal act that could lead to legal action against those involved.
In a phone interview, CAO Malik Mahabbah denied withholding the councillors’ allowances, stating that he had already released the funds to the Clerk to Council some time ago.
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