Enock Ndyamuhakyi | Tayari News
KABALE – The Kabale district’s newly nominated members to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the District Land Board Council have been rejected by the council due to procedural irregularities in the way the names were presented.
The nominations were tabled during a council sitting at the Kabale District Rukiko Hall by Vice District Chairperson Miria Tugume, on behalf of District Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija, who was absent from the recent sitting, but the move hit a snag.
The proposed nominees to the PAC included Rev. Kayongwe Robert Basherura, Katooma Kayogooza Timothy, Musiimenta Bernadette, and Baryamujura Peace, while nominees for the district land board include Muhangi Justus, who was proposed as chairperson, alongside Katabazi Loy, Bekunda Steven, and Rwaributware Donati.
According to the Kabale District speaker, Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagizi, who suspended the approval process, the nominations were presented through an informal committee motion rather than the formal procedure mandated by council rules, explaining that the names had not been tabled as a formal motion, as required by council regulations.
The development has sparked debate among some councillors, who question whether the Speaker’s action was a deliberate attempt to block the approval process. Nyinakiiza maintains that the nominees would remain unchanged, but emphasises that they would only be reconsidered after being properly presented before the council in the form of a formal motion.
Mixed reactions among councilors
Some councillors have expressed frustration over the continued delays in operationalising the two key statutory committees. They have stressed the importance of the committees and the challenges posed by procedural lapses.
Gilbert Niwaganyira Kadawa, the LC V councillor for Butanda sub-county, acknowledges the critical role of the committees in local governance.
He explained that the prolonged absence of fully constituted statutory committees has created operational gaps within the district’s governance system. He adds that the committees are central to oversight, planning, and accountability, and their delay has slowed critical decision-making processes.
“The district cannot function effectively when key committees are not in place. These committees are responsible for monitoring government programmes, ensuring proper use of public funds, and guiding land management decisions. When their formation is delayed, it directly affects service delivery and development planning,” Gilbert said.
He further observed that the failure by some committee chairpersons to submit nomination lists on time has contributed significantly to the current stalemate.
He wants the council leadership and committee heads to take greater responsibility in meeting procedural requirements so that council business can proceed without unnecessary interruptions.
Kadawa’s sentiments have been echoed by several other councillors, who emphasise the need to balance procedural compliance with the urgent operationalisation of statutory structures.
