The Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, has suspended his Vice Chairperson, Miria Akankwasa Tugume, over what he described as “gross misconduct.”
In a letter addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer and seen by this website, Nshangabasheija accuses Akankwasa of presenting the district’s budget estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year without his consent. The Shs 55 billion budget was reportedly tabled before the council on March 30, 2026, in the absence of the Chairperson.
During the same council sitting, Nshangabasheija was himself suspended from attending two council sessions following a standoff with the District Speaker, Flavia Kanagizi.
In his communication, Nshangabasheija said he would institute a commission of inquiry to investigate Akankwasa’s conduct. He further directed that no official business should be conducted with her in the capacity of Vice Chairperson until further notice.
The Chairperson also warned against repeating past mistakes that led to a court case involving the Speaker and Central Division LC5 Councillor, Leopold Twesigye.
In that case, the Speaker was accused of taking part in a partisan election in which another councillor, Vera Tumuheki, was elected to represent Kabale District on the Kabale University Council.
The High Court later dismissed the case, awarding costs to Twesigye, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Kabale District Council.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Akankwasa were unsuccessful as she could not be reached on her known phone contacts despite repeated calls.
