The Ministry of Local Government and security officials today intervened in the conflict between Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija and Chief Administrative Officer-CAO Ronald Mutegeki.
On Thursday last week at around 7:30 AM, Nshangabasheija reportedly mobilized a group of people and handed them placards demanding the immediate removal of Mutegeki from Kabale over allegations of corruption, absenteeism, intimidation of civil servants, and political interference. At about 7:45 AM, the group stormed the district headquarters and padlocked Mutegeki’s office.
Nshangabasheija further accused Mutegeki of convening District Executive Committee meetings without involving the LC5 Chairperson’s office, blocking the approval of a new District Contracts Committee, attempting to illegally lease district land in Kigongi along the Kabale–Mbarara highway, formerly hosting a remand home and occupying a district house without authorization. He insisted that Mutegeki must leave Kabale immediately.
Anti-riot police later deployed at the district headquarters after reports circulated that Nshangabasheija was mobilizing more people to hold additional protests.
Kabale District security officials, including Police, UPDF, the office of the RDC led by Rtd. Major Godfrey Katamba, and officials from the Ministry of Local Government, held a closed-door meeting in the district council hall on Monday.
The meeting, which began at 10:00 AM, ended at about 5:00 PM. Both Nshangabasheija and Mutegeki were summoned to appear before the authorities.
Major Katamba said police were deployed to ensure peace at the district, especially after Mutegeki reportedly appeared at the district headquarters on Sunday and forcefully cut the padlock that had been placed on his office.
Katamba added that after hearing from both parties, the meeting directed Nshangabasheija and Mutegeki to reconcile an agreement the two accepted.
CUE IN KATAMBA….ON MEETING…. RR/ENG//
Addressing the media in his office after the meeting, CAO Ronald Mutegeki apologized for the events that had transpired and promised to work closely with the political wing for the good of Kabale District.
He also revealed that he had withdrawn his intention to sue, following the reconciliation with Nshangabasheija.
CUE IN MUTEGEKI….ON ISSUE….. RR/ENG //
Immediately after the meeting, Nshangabasheija declined to speak to our reporter and drove away from the district premises.
