Drama unfolded on Monday during the election of the Speaker for Central Division in Kabale Municipality after the two competing candidates each secured eight votes in the first round of voting.
The contest pitted Stanley Mashemere, the councillor representing older persons, against Joshua Angarukiremu, the councillor for Butobere Ward. The election was presided over by Kabale Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha.
The first round ended in a deadlock, with both candidates receiving eight votes each. Following the tie, Chief Magistrate Byamugisha appealed to councillors to reconsider their positions to enable the division elect a Speaker without further delay.
He also proposed that Central Division Chairperson Henry Nasasira abstain from voting, a suggestion that sparked strong opposition from several councillors. Central Division has a total of 16 councillors.
Following the disagreement, the Chief Magistrate proceeded with a second round of voting in which Mashemere emerged victorious with nine votes, defeating Angarukiremu, who garnered seven votes.
In his acceptance speech, Mashemere pledged to promote a people-centred council focused on improving service delivery. He also called for unity among councillors to strengthen transparency and accountability in the division.
Meanwhile, Anita Kemigisha, the councillor representing Central Ward on the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket, was elected Deputy Speaker unopposed.
