The Kabale Municipality Mayor, Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, has called for the intervention of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over what he described as the growing powers of the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Equal Opportunities Commission following a dispute over payment of more than Shs 3 billion to a road construction firm.
Byamugisha made the remarks during his maiden speech after being sworn in for a third term as Kabale Municipality Mayor on Thursday at Kabale Municipal Stadium.
The mayor’s concerns stem from a heated exchange he had with Deputy Inspector General of Government, Patricia Achan Okiria, during a meeting held on April 28, 2026, involving civil servants from the Greater Kabale area on the wealth declaration exercise.
Dr. Achan had directed Kabale Municipality to pay Shs 1.92 billion to M/S Multiplex Limited–Detaco International Trade and Contracting Joint Venture as outstanding liabilities for road construction works undertaken in the municipality. She further ordered an additional Shs 1.2 billion to be paid to the contractor as part of the remaining balance.
The joint venture was contracted in May 2021 to upgrade several roads in Kabale Municipality at a total cost of Shs 21.72 billion under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme.
The roads included the 0.76-kilometre Bwankosya Road connecting Nyerere Avenue to Kabale Central Market, the 0.32-kilometre Bushekwiire Road linking the town centre to Kabale Main Road in Central Division, and the 2.49-kilometre Rushoroza Road connecting Kabale Diocesan Headquarters to the Kabale–Katuna–Mbarara Highway in Southern Division.
The tarmacking of Rushoroza Road had earlier been pledged by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during a visit to Rushoroza Cathedral in August 2010.
However, disagreements later emerged between municipal leaders and the contractor, with political leaders led by Byamugisha accusing the company of delays and substandard work. During the commissioning of the roads presided over by President Museveni in February 2025, municipal leaders protested, arguing that some works had not been fully completed.
Following the commissioning, the company’s director, Moses Ndege Bbosa, demanded payment of the outstanding Shs 1.92 billion. However, municipal leaders declined to release the funds, maintaining that retention fees had already been paid to the contractor.
On December 10, 2025, Bbosa petitioned the Inspectorate of Government and the Equal Opportunities Commission, accusing Kabale Municipality of failing to clear the outstanding balance.
In a letter dated March 30, 2026, Dr. Achan directed the municipality to settle the Shs 1.92 billion liability, citing findings and guidance from the Equal Opportunities Commission indicating that the contractor was entitled to payment.
Speaking during his swearing-in ceremony, Byamugisha questioned why the municipality was being directed to pay a contractor he claimed had already received retention funds.
The mayor further objected to the additional Shs 1.2 billion liability, arguing that the municipality was being pressured to make payments outside established legal frameworks. He said the municipal council had distanced itself from the transaction and vowed to continue opposing the payment until investigations are concluded and all parties are given a fair hearing.
Byamugisha accused both the Inspectorate of Government and the Equal Opportunities Commission of exceeding their mandate. He also criticized the Equal Opportunities Commission for involving itself in what he termed as minor issues affecting the municipal council.
He urged the government to review the powers of the two institutions, saying he was prepared to face consequences, including impeachment, if necessary, while pursuing the matter. Byamugisha specifically appealed to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whom he described as his chairman in the Patriotic League of Uganda, to intervene and examine the powers of the two entities.
CUE IN SENTARO…..ON THE MATTER…..RR/ENG//
Speaking as the guest of honour, the Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Henry Musasizi, urged Ugandans to actively embrace President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s “Kisanja No More Sleep” agenda aimed at accelerating wealth creation, fighting poverty, and improving household incomes across the country.
Minister Musasizi said President Museveni’s declaration, made during his swearing-in ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds on May 12, marked the beginning of a new era focused on economic transformation, increased productivity, and improved livelihoods for Ugandans.
He further called upon citizens to fully support and actively participate in government wealth creation programmes, emphasizing that sustainable economic progress requires deliberate effort and commitment from all Ugandans.
