Proceedings at Kyenjojo District Council on Thursday turned chaotic after councillors staged a walkout in protest against the presence of a suspended fellow councillor, Rev. Moses Atuhaire. Atuhaire, who represents Kyarusozi Town Council, had been barred from attending the May 7 sitting following a suspension letter issued on April 21 by the Clerk to Council, Barbara Komujuni, over alleged misconduct.
Despite the suspension, Atuhaire attended the plenary sitting, prompting immediate objections from councillors. The matter was first raised on the floor by Councillor Lawrence Kaliba, who questioned why the suspended member had been allowed into the council chambers.
Kaliba asked the Speaker, Ronald Karamagi, to clarify Atuhaire’s status, arguing that his continued presence undermined council authority and decisions. He further accused Atuhaire of repeatedly damaging the image of the council through allegations of corruption, including claims that councillors were receiving bribes and influencing committee decisions.
Kaliba specifically cited allegations that members of the finance committee had each received one million shillings to cover up corruption, calling for Atuhaire to formally apologise.
Councillors Geoffrey Kagoro and Emmanuel Agaba seconded the protest, backing the call for Atuhaire’s removal from the chamber. In his defence, Atuhaire asked for a fair hearing, saying he had written to the Speaker challenging his suspension and was not given an opportunity to defend himself.
However, Speaker Ronald Karamagi declined to entertain his submissions, reportedly stating that he was no longer recognised as a member of the council at that time. The disagreement escalated as several councillors walked out of the chamber in protest. The Speaker later directed the Clerk to Council to read Rule 113 of the Standing Orders, which provides for the withdrawal of “strangers” from council chambers, before instructing the Sergeant-at-Arms to enforce the directive.
Atuhaire eventually left the chamber voluntarily, allowing proceedings to continue. Speaking to Uganda Radio Network after the incident, Atuhaire insisted he had been denied a fair hearing and vowed to challenge both his suspension and removal from the sitting in court. He maintained that his actions are aimed at exposing corruption within the district. “I will not back down from fighting corruption,” he said, adding that his concerns must be heard.
The suspension traces back to a heated council sitting on March 12, which was convened to approve leadership for the District Service Commission. During that meeting, Atuhaire allegedly disrupted proceedings by seizing council instruments of power and walking out with them, in protest against the nomination of Fred Bazarrabusa as chairperson of the commission, whom he accused of corruption.
The incident continues to deepen divisions within the district council as tensions over accountability and procedure persist-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
