Mbarara City Council is currently in turmoil, with councillors raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement and unresolved governance issues under the leadership of the outgoing city clerk, Assy Abireebe Tumwesigire.
The councillors have called for urgent answers regarding a number of financial and project-related discrepancies that have yet to be addressed.
Among the major grievances is the handling of Shs 4.2 billion in uncommitted funds, as well as unresolved disputes involving MBJ Consults. Additionally, councillors are frustrated with unspent balances as of July 1, 2024, and significant delays in vital infrastructure projects such as the Katete Bridge and the Bishop Stuart-Buremba Road.
Jessica Mwijuka, the workers’ representative, expressed her deep frustration at the lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of public resources. “We have asked for accountability, but there has been no response. The city’s finances are in jeopardy, and the city clerk is ultimately responsible for these issues,” she remarked.
The urgency of the situation has been heightened by Tumwesigire’s recent transfer to Mbale, prompting the councillors to demand immediate clarification on the matter. Byansi Muhammad, the Nyamityoobora councillor, specifically pointed to Tumwesigire and officials in Kampala for mismanaging public funds. “All the confusion surrounding MBJ Consults comes from the city council, and the city clerk, along with his colleagues from the ministry in Kampala, are responsible for mishandling taxpayer money,” Byansi claimed.
Byansi also suggested that the mayor should be held accountable for the issues at hand, hinting at the possibility of impeachment. “The mayor is answerable for this mess. If need be, we could even consider impeachment, depending on the law. You cannot accept the city clerk’s transfer without first addressing these serious concerns,” he warned.
City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karusya confirmed that the councillors had officially petitioned both the mayor and the town clerk to resolve the issues. “The councillors have petitioned to know how these matters were handled. This will be placed on the agenda for the meeting scheduled for January 22, 2025, where the town clerk will be required to explain the situation,” Tashobya stated.
Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi acknowledged receiving the letter from the fuming councillors. He also said that he has directed the town clerk in writing to organize the extraordinary council meeting which is in demand. Kakyebezi, However, Kakyebezi dismissed the impeachment threat, questioning the basis for such action.
