Kabale Council Session Spirals into Chaos Over Allowances and Dress Code

Tensions flared at the Kabale District Council on Monday as councillors convened for an extraordinary meeting to review Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with three mining firms: Peat Energy Solutions Company, Yogi Steels Company Limited, and Shivaji Limited/Magasan Industries Uganda Limited. The proceedings were quickly derailed when councillors, led by Joshua Musinguzi and Baker Champion, demanded transparency regarding the specific contributions each mining company made towards their sitting allowances.

Concerns were raised that the burden of facilitating a single council session might fall disproportionately on the companies, especially given past instances where one firm covered all allowances. Councillors Gilbert Niwanganyira and Nicholas Mucunguzi further sought clarity on the exact payment each member would receive, with some proposing an increase from the standard Shs300,000 to Shs600,000 for the extraordinary sitting.

District Speaker Flavia Nyinakinza Kanagizi intervened, urging members to prioritize community welfare over personal remuneration and to await official payment channels. Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe later confirmed that the mining companies had indeed contributed to the allowances, while District Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe echoed the speaker’s call for focus on the broader benefits of mining for the district.

The meeting also experienced a brief disruption due to a dress code issue, with Speaker Kanagizi instructing improperly dressed male councillors to adhere to council standards or leave. Despite these disruptions, the council managed to deliberate on the mining agreements.

The MOU with Peat Energy Solutions Company received approval, enabling its operations in several sub-counties. However, the proposals from Yogi Steels Company Limited and Shivaji Minerals Limited were deferred. The council cited deficiencies in their submitted documentation and mandated revisions before further consideration, warning that continued non-compliance could lead to operational halts for these companies.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364476/chaos-erupts-at-kabale-council-over-mining-company-allowances