By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA
Jinja District Council held a special meeting today, January 8, 2024, at the District Hall in the morning at 11 a.m. to replace Councilor Akalamawa Samuel, who resigned following a scandal involving the District Chairman, Batwala Moses. The meeting was chaired by Speaker Hon. Namukose Monica.
Chairman Batwala thanked Councilor Akalamawa for his work as Secretary for Finance during his three and a half years in office. He nominated Nanagwe Viola of Buyengo Town Council to fill the vacant position on the District Executive Committee. The proposal was put to a vote, and the councilors passed the motion, appointing Viola as the new Secretary for Finance. According to the Local Government Act 1997, Cap 243, Section 18(3), secretaries shall be nominated by the chairperson from among the members of the council and shall be approved by the majority of all members of the council.
Batwala said it was a crucial time for the district, and that the new appointment was essential for proper planning and budgeting. “With powers invested in me by the law, I nominate Hon. Nanagwe Viola, a female councilor from Buyengo Town Council, to fill the position,” Batwala said.
Earlier, Buyengo Sub-County Male Councilor Samuel Akalamawa had resigned from his position as Secretary for Finance, citing unprofessional conduct by the Jinja District LC V Chairperson, Moses Batwala. In his resignation letter addressed to Batwala, Akalamawa accused the chairperson of disregarding the provisions of the Local Government Act and prioritizing personal accolades over effective service delivery.
Akalamawa expressed frustration, stating that Batwala had consistently ignored his advice, rendering his role on the executive committee ineffective. “I have, however, realized with much concern and unbearable frustration that you no longer want to take advice nor be near those who offer it,” his letter read in part. The councilor further criticized Batwala for surrounding himself with individuals who blindly support his decisions, which he claims often result in financial impropriety and conflicts between the executive wing and technical personnel.
Despite the criticism, Batwala expressed confidence in Nanagwe Viola’s abilities to lead and fulfill her duties. In her speech, Viola thanked the council for her approval as the new Secretary for Finance and promised to ensure better accountability and transparency in the office as they work towards developing Jinja District.
She emphasized that the committee had been lacking female representation, and now, it was time for women to move forward and contribute to the district’s development. Viola made a commitment to foster greater transparency and accountability in her office, ensuring that the public’s trust is upheld while working on improving the district.
However, 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. She demanded a report and clarification from the Ministry of Finance before handing over the office to Viola. She stressed that Akalamawa Samuel had been meandering around with the district’s money, and no clear work reports had been made during his time in office.
The council congratulated Nanagwe Viola on her new appointment but also emphasized the need for clear transparency and accountability in her work.
