KWANIA DISTRICT, Uganda –– The District Council meeting in Kwania descended into chaos and violence on Monday afternoon, culminating in malicious damage to property and the forced suspension of the session, police have confirmed.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:00 PM on February 23 at the District Headquarters, began during a debate on a contentious appointment before escalating into a scene of disorder that required security intervention.
According to a statement released by North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the meeting had commenced normally, with councillors deliberating on various agenda items. Tensions flared, however, when the council moved to discuss the approval of the Chairperson of the District Service Commission.
A faction of councillors vigorously opposed the reappointment of the long-serving incumbent, Mr. Odur Tom Anang, who has held the position for fifteen years. They instead pushed for a new candidate, citing allegations of corruption against Mr. Anang.
“While debate on the matter was ongoing, some bottles of soda were thrown from the gallery into the council hall and directly towards the speaker, causing panic among members,” the police statement read.
The projectile-throwing act served as a catalyst for further disorder. Several councillors reportedly rose in protest, brandishing placards before engaging in acts of vandalism. Witnesses described scenes of councillors kicking and breaking plastic chairs within the hall, causing significant damage to district property.
Fearing for his safety, the Speaker of the Council was swiftly escorted from the chambers by the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel present. The meeting was suspended for forty minutes in an attempt to restore order.
Ultimately, due to the volatile and unmanageable situation, the council session was officially called off and adjourned to an unspecified future date. High-ranking officials present during the incident included the District Police Commander (DPC), the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC), and the LC V Chairperson.
The Territorial Police have confirmed that a major investigation is now underway. “Inquiries into the incident have commenced, and a team led by the Regional CID North Kyoga has booked out to Kwania District to establish the individuals responsible for the acts of disorder and destruction of property,” stated SP Jimmy Patrick Okema.
The police spokesman vowed that those found culpable would face the full force of the law. “Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he affirmed.
The incident has cast a shadow over the district’s political proceedings, raising concerns about decorum and the resolution of political disagreements within local government. The community now awaits the findings of the police investigation and the rescheduling of the critical council meeting.
