Enock Ndyamuhakyi | Tayari News
KABALE – Kabale District Council on Monday finally presented its draft annual work plan and budget estimates of Uganda Sh. 55billion for the 2026/2027 financial year, following a controversial council session that resulted in the suspension of the LC5 Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija.
The special council sitting, chaired by the District Speaker, Flavia Kanagizi Nyinakiiza, was convened on short notice to fulfil the legal requirement to lay the district budget before April 1, as stipulated under the Local Governments Act.
Tensions arose when Nshangabasheija declined to table the budget, insisting that the council must first approve his nominees to the District Public Accounts Committee and the District Land Board. He argued that the order paper required the approval of the nominees before any other business could proceed.
However, Speaker Nyinakiiza rejected this position, emphasizing that the primary purpose of the sitting was to present the budget estimates within the legally mandated timeframe. She warned that any delay would create uncertainty for the district, particularly in light of the chairperson’s recent electoral defeat.
The council session, which had earlier been suspended due to disorder, resumed on Monday afternoon after Butanda Sub-county councillor Gilbert Niwanganyira moved a motion to extend proceedings beyond the usual adjournment time.
Despite this, a standoff ensued, prompting the Speaker to temporarily suspend the sitting for consultations. During the break, tensions remained high, causing the Resident District Commissioner Major Godfrey Katamba to deploy police from Kabale Central Police Station to maintain order.
Katamba, alongside his deputy, Michael Muramira Kyakashaari and Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe, engaged district leaders in an effort to resolve the impasse. Following the walkout of Nshangabasheija, the LC5 Vice Chairperson Miria Akankwatsa Tugume was tasked to take charge of the proceedings.
Akankwatsa later returned to the Rukiiko Hall and tabled the draft annual work plan and budget estimates in line with Section 80(6) of the Local Governments Act.
Speaking after the session, Speaker Nyinakiiza clarified that the council had been convened strictly to lay the budget and would not revisit issues from the previous sitting, which had been adjourned due to chaos and procedural disagreements.
In a decisive move, the council resolved to suspend Nshangabasheija for two council sittings over what leaders described as violent and disorderly conduct during the session. The Speaker said the disciplinary action was necessary to restore order and ensure smooth conduct of council business.
Nyinakiiza emphasized that while the council does not oppose the chairperson’s nominees, their consideration must follow proper procedures and be handled at the appropriate time. She stressed that adherence to the rule of law and established council processes is essential for transparency and accountability.
The developments highlight growing tensions within Kabale District leadership, even as the council moves forward with its budget process aimed at guiding service delivery in the upcoming financial year.