Jinja District councillors confront each other as tensions flare during a council meeting on Friday, with police intervening to prevent a physical fight. PHOTO | ISAAC KINTU
What you need to know:
- The standoff involved Mr Joseph Ikoona, councillor for Namagera Town Council, and Mr Sharif Pepe Mpoya of Buwenge, suspended over alleged misconduct
Jinja District Council proceedings were disrupted on Friday after two suspended councillors refused to leave the chamber, prompting police intervention and forcing Speaker Simon Kibombo to adjourn the meeting amid fears of a physical confrontation.
The standoff involved Mr Joseph Ikoona, councillor for Namagera Town Council, and Mr Sharif Pepe Mpoya of Buwenge, suspended over alleged misconduct.
The dispute has now affected four council sittings, raising concerns about the council's ability to conduct business and fulfil its oversight role.
During the latest sitting, the two turned up but were directed to leave the chamber. They rejected the directive, arguing they had already stayed away from previous sittings and could not continue being excluded indefinitely.
Mr Ikoona maintained they had complied with the suspension but questioned their continued exclusion.
The disagreement escalated, prompting officials to call police to remove Mr Ikoona. Tensions rose further, with some councillors appearing close to a physical confrontation before the Speaker adjourned the meeting.
Row over Service Commission
The fallout dates back to September 18, when Mr Ikoona allegedly grabbed the Speaker's mace during a dispute over who should head the Jinja District Service Commission.
The row split councillors into two factions. One, reportedly led by Speaker Kibombo, supported Jinja District Woman MP Peace Tibyaza for the position, while another, led by District Chairperson Moses Batwala, backed former councillor Monica Namukose Kamagu.
Ms Tibyaza serves as Deputy Chairperson of Parliament's Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
The dispute over the commission's leadership further strained relations and was followed by the suspension of Mr Ikoona and Mr Mpoya.
Calls for intervention
District Chairperson Moses Batwala has called for urgent intervention, warning that disagreements are affecting council operations.
He proposed an induction to help councillors and the Speaker understand their respective roles, powers and responsibilities.
"There is need for urgent intervention because the disagreements are affecting council operations," Batwala said, warning that continued infighting could undermine the council's mandate and service delivery.