Masindi municipal council resolves to eject town clerk over missing vehicle

Masindi: Masindi Municipal Council has resolved to forcefully evict Town Clerk Daniel Kasala from office over his alleged failure to procure a double cabin vehicle budgeted for in the last financial year.

The resolution was made during a full council sitting held on Tuesday at the Municipal Chambers, chaired by Deputy Speaker Betty Kugonza, who was delegated by Speaker Opio Tadeo.

According to the councilors, the vehicle worth UGX 100 million was approved in the previous budget and supposedly procured in December 2023, yet its whereabouts remain unknown.

Godfrey Musindi, male councilor representing Civic Centre Ward (Lower), accused Kasala of neglecting his duties. “We resolved that the town clerk must leave the office. The vehicle was budgeted and paid for, but we haven’t seen it. He’s also misusing the COVID-19 response vehicle, which we’ve now resolved should be parked at the municipality,” Musindi stated.

Richard Alinaitwe, councilor for Civic Ward, revealed that Kasala was even granted a one-month leave to finalize the procurement process but returned empty-handed.

“There’s too much tension in council. We’ve now locked the town clerk’s office and proposed that Deputy Town Clerk Patrick Asiimwe takes charge as we wait for another appointment,” Alinaitwe said.

The council further resolved to form a team that will follow up on the matter with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government.

Peter Ndabi, councilor from Kikwanana Ward, accused Kasala of being “shielded by godfathers in government.” He cited multiple unsuccessful investigations by both the Ministry of Local Government and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. “Voters are demanding answers about the vehicle that was supposed to be purchased with taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Municipal Mayor Ronald Busiinge Kyomuhendo confirmed that the procurement process was done and money was paid to the contractor.

However, he noted that there is no documentation proving that the vehicle registration process is underway. Kyomuhendo added that the town clerk claims the Ministry of Works is still processing the registration number. “Kasala keeps saying he’s doing his best, but updates are lacking,” Kyomuhendo said.

Kyomuhendo backed the councilors’ concerns but reminded them that they have no legal mandate to remove the town clerk. “They can only recommend his transfer,” he clarified.

Efforts to get a comment from Town Clerk Daniel Kasala were futile as his known phone number was unavailable by press time.

In the same sitting, councilors raised concerns over the delayed rehabilitation of the Kamurasi Demonstration Primary School playground, despite UGX 8 million being released for the project.

Councilor Peter Ndabi expressed outrage, revealing that a disabled child recently drowned in a waterlogged area of the playground. He accused municipal officials of misusing taxpayers’ money, alleging that a grader was sent at night to do substandard work.

Municipal Principal Education Officer Simon Peter Ayebale acknowledged that the playground has been in a dilapidated state for over 10 years, with persistent community complaints.

Ayebale said the rehabilitation was planned in three phases, and the UGX 8 million released was for the first phase. “We couldn’t hand over an incomplete project. The remaining two phases will be implemented as funds are released,” he explained.

Deputy Municipal Mayor Betty Kyomuhendo said the allocated money was insufficient for the entire workload.

Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo, the Municipal Mayor revealed that a total of UGX 27 million had been budgeted for the full project, with UGX 8 million disbursed in the first quarter.

However, councilors remain dissatisfied with the progress, suggesting that the contractor be compelled to redo the work to meet acceptable standards.

Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.