Jinja finance secretary resigns over alleged LCV chairman’s unprofessional conduct

Jinja: The Jinja District Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2024, at District Hall to replace Councilor Samuel Akalamawa, who resigned following a scandal involving District Chairman Moses Batwala.

The meeting, which started at 11 a.m., was chaired by Speaker Hon. Namukose Monica.

During the session, Chairman Batwala Moses thanked Akalamawa for his service as Secretary for Finance over the past three and a half years.

He nominated Nanagwe Viola from Buyengo Town Council to fill the vacant position on the District Executive Committee. The proposal was put to a vote, and councilors approved her appointment.

According to the Local Government Act 1997, Cap 243, Section 18(3), secretaries are nominated by the chairperson and must be approved by the majority of council members.

Batwala stressed that the appointment was essential for proper planning and budgeting, saying, “With powers invested in me by the law, I nominate Hon. Nanagwe Viola, a female councilor from Buyengo Town Council, to fill the position.”

The appointment followed Councilor Samuel Akalamawa’s resignation as Secretary for Finance, citing unprofessional conduct by LC V Chairperson Moses Batwala.

In his resignation letter, Akalamawa accused Batwala of disregarding the Local Government Act and focusing more on personal achievements than service delivery.

“I have realized with much concern and unbearable frustration that you no longer want to take advice nor be near those who offer it,” Akalamawa’s letter read in part.

He further criticized Batwala for surrounding himself with loyalists who blindly support his decisions, resulting in financial mismanagement and conflicts between the executive wing and technical personnel.

Despite the criticism, Chairman Batwala expressed confidence in Nanagwe Viola’s ability to lead and fulfill her duties.

In her acceptance speech, Viola thanked the council for the opportunity and promised to foster better accountability and transparency in the district’s finances.

“I will work towards improving accountability and ensuring that public trust is upheld as we strive to develop Jinja District,” she stated.

Viola emphasized the importance of female representation in leadership, noting that her appointment was a significant step toward gender inclusivity.

During the same council session, Butagaya Female Councilor Betty Buzimba raised concerns about a 1 billion shilling fund allocated for road rehabilitation that had not been utilized.

Buzimba demanded a detailed report and clarification from the Ministry of Finance before handing over the office to Viola. She accused Akalamawa of mismanaging district funds and failing to provide work reports during his tenure.

“We need to know where the funds have gone. There have been no clear reports on road rehabilitation during Akalamawa’s time in office,” Buzimba stated.

The council congratulated Nanagwe Viola on her appointment but stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in managing district finances.

As Viola takes on her new role, the residents of Jinja District remain hopeful that her leadership will bring financial integrity and improved service delivery.

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