The Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, has accused the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ronald Mutegeki, of overstepping his mandate, sabotaging political work, and undermining service delivery in the district.
Addressing journalists at the district headquarters on Thursday, Nshangabasheija claimed that the CAO has usurped roles reserved for the district chairperson and the District Executive Committee (DEC).
He cited a letter dated 16 October 2025 in which Mutegeki, quoting the Local Government Act Cap 138 Section 16, scheduled DEC meeting dates from 31 October 2025 to 26 June 2026 without his knowledge or consent.
He warned that the district political leadership would not “get along” with the CAO unless he respects his boundaries.
Nshangabasheija further accused the CAO of sidelining the duly approved Kabale District Contracts Committee and instead relying on a team from neighbouring Rukiga District.
He explained that after the term of the previous contracts committee expired, the former CAO wrote to the Ministry of Finance seeking approval for new members.
According to a letter issued on 9 September 2025 by the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, the approved members include: Henry Tumwesigye, District Natural Resources Officer, Honest Tumuheirwe Rwomushana, Senior Entomologist, Mildred Tusimirwe, Senior Commercial Officer and Jude Tusiime, Senior Assistant Engineering Officer
CUE IN NSHANGABASHEIJA…..ON CAO……RR/ENG//
Joshua Musinguzi, the District Councillor representing Kyanamira Sub County and member of the Health, Education and Community-Based Services Committee, also accused the CAO of poor leadership, absenteeism and corruption.
He claimed that Mutegeki is rarely in office, which he said has set a bad example for civil servants and undermined supervision.
Musinguzi further alleged that some district properties are being sold or leased without the knowledge and approval of the District Council, which is the highest decision-making organ.
He cited the former District Remand Home, which council had designated as a source of local revenue through lorry parking fees.
The councillor also pointed to a letter allegedly written by the CAO to civil servants indicating that those who have overstayed in certain positions would be transferred by January. He claimed this directive is being used to intimidate staff into bribing the chairperson to keep their posts.
CUE IN MUSINGUZI….ON CAO…..RR//
However in response, CAO Ronald Mutegeki dismissed the accusations, saying he does not deal with “hooligans” but with leaders. He insisted that the dispute is driven by demands for illegal payments and campaign financing.
Having spent five months in Kabale, he said he is focused on correcting what he termed “a lot of shoddy work,” arguing that resistance is coming from individuals unhappy with tighter controls on public funds.
He stressed that all government funds must follow public finance and budgeting procedures and that he cannot release money that has not been appropriated.
On the contracts committee controversy, Mutegeki confirmed receiving a letter from the Secretary to the Treasury directing him to appoint the committee but said the instructions were clear that it could only begin work when funds were available. According to him, the directive came mid–financial year.
CUE IN MUTEGEKI…..ON THE RESPONSE…..ENG//
