Masindi LCV chairperson drops his vice three weeks after swearing-in

Masindi: Patrick Wobusobozi, the Masindi District LCV Chairperson has removed his Vice Chairperson, Cleophas Bigirwa, barely three weeks after appointing him, citing failure to meet the minimum academic qualifications required for the office.

The changes were announced during an extraordinary district council meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, where councilors also considered appointments to the District Service Commission (DSC), which had remained non-functional for six months.

Wobusobozi replaced Bigirwa with Bright Mugume, the district councilor representing Kimengo Sub-county, who had initially been serving as Secretary for Production and Technical Services.

The reshuffle also saw Nelda Asaba, councilor for Bwijanga Sub-county and Bulima Town Council, transferred from the Finance docket to Production. Simon Byaruhanga, the Pakanyi Sub-county councilor and former NRM speakership contender, was appointed Secretary for Finance and Administration, while William Mwambu retained his position as Secretary for Social Services.

Before council proceedings commenced, District Speaker Patrick Tibigambwa sought an explanation from Wobusobozi regarding the sudden changes in the district executive.

Wobusobozi told council that he only discovered the anomaly while processing documentation required for payroll enrollment.

“When we were asked to present our particulars to access the payroll, I discovered that one of my members lacked the qualifications. His appointment was an error or an oversight, and he couldn’t continue in that office. That’s why I informed the Speaker to convene an extraordinary council to make adjustments and reorganize the house,” Wobusobozi said.

He explained that although Bigirwa possesses some academic documents, they are not equivalent to a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), commonly referred to as a Senior Six certificate, which is the minimum requirement for the office of District Vice Chairperson.

Speaker Tibigambwa further asked whether due process had been followed in assessing Bigirwa’s credentials.

In response, Wobusobozi said the documents had been reviewed together with the Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel Kaija Ruhweza.

Kaija confirmed to the council that the documents presented did not appear to meet the required academic threshold.

“The papers presented do not appear to be equivalent to a Senior Six certificate, which is the minimum qualification required for the office,” Kaija informed the council.

However, Bigirwa has strongly contested the decision, insisting that he possesses the necessary qualifications and accusing district leaders of failing to follow the proper verification procedures.

Speaking after the meeting, Bigirwa argued that the relevant education authorities should have been consulted before any action was taken.

“I was appointed and sworn in, and no one raised a red flag. They should have followed the right procedure to remove me from office because I was appointed and approved by the same council,” Bigirwa said.

He revealed that he is seeking legal advice and considering his next course of action.

Bigirwa further defended his academic background, saying he holds an equated Senior Four certificate and a certificate in Public Administration obtained during his tenure as LCIII Chairperson for Karujubu Division.

“How can someone be removed from office before even assuming it? This has discredited me. At least the District Chairperson would have switched me from Vice Chairperson to another docket rather than completely dropping me,” he said.

He also questioned the political implications of the reshuffle, noting that key district leadership positions are now occupied by independent politicians.

“The District Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Speaker are all independents. Where is this leaving the NRM party?” Bigirwa asked.

The abrupt changes have generated debate among residents and political observers in Masindi, with some questioning why the qualifications were not verified before the initial appointment was made.

Meanwhile, the same council meeting approved new members of the District Service Commission, ending six months of inactivity at the body.

Former Deputy District Education Officer Adolf Kato was appointed Chairperson of the commission, while former head teacher Sharif Kahwa was approved as the representative for urban authorities.

The reshuffle comes amid concerns from Muslim leaders in Masindi District, who recently accused the district leadership of excluding Muslims from top decision-making positions.

In a statement issued after the swearing-in of the district leadership on May 20, Masindi Muslim District Secretary Khalifan Balikagira criticized what he described as a lack of inclusiveness in the composition of the executive.

“We write to congratulate you as District Chairman of Masindi. We also thank you for what you have described as a balanced executive of the Masindi District Local Government. That executive has seven key leadership positions, including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and executive members, yet not a single Muslim is among them,” Balikagira stated.

He said the Muslim community in Masindi and neighboring Buliisa District felt sidelined by the appointments.

“We have been completely excluded from the top decision-making organs of this district. As a result, the Muslim community across Masindi and Buliisa is not happy with you at all. We remain offended by your actions and your disregard for our inclusion,” Balikagira added.

The developments mark a turbulent start to Wobusobozi’s administration, with executive changes, questions over qualifications, and concerns about political and religious representation emerging within the first month of his tenure.

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