A heated standoff rocked the inaugural sitting of the newly constituted Mubende District Council on Wednesday after councillors sharply disagreed over the legal procedure for electing leaders of standing committees, forcing police intervention and an abrupt suspension of proceedings.
The chaos erupted during the council’s first formal session, which had begun with the swearing-in and confirmation of the District Executive Committee led by District Chairperson Michael Ntambi. The executive team includes Vice Chairperson Moses Kagambagye, Margaret Navubya (Gender and Health), Kiiza Wilber (Finance), and Patrick Muhwezi (Agriculture).
Tensions flared when the council moved to the election of standing committee leadership. A section of councillors objected to Ntambi’s position that members of the District Executive Committee should also participate in voting for committee leaders.
Speaker Fred Balongo defended the approach, insisting it was grounded in law.
“The law governing local governments allows members of the executive committee to take part in the election of committee leaders. We are simply following the law,” he said.
However, dissenting councillors rejected the interpretation, arguing that executive participation would compromise fairness and the independence of council committees.
“We cannot allow executive members to participate in this process because it compromises fairness and the independence of the committees,” one councillor said.
The disagreement escalated as the names of executive members were read out to begin the voting process, triggering disorder inside the chambers. In the ensuing chaos, some councillors reportedly attempted to seize the ballot box, forcing security personnel to intervene and restore order.
Councillor Joseph Agaba said the confrontation stemmed from differing interpretations of the law governing local government procedures.
“The disagreement stems from differing legal interpretations. Councillors believe the process should be handled differently to avoid conflicts of interest,” he said.
As tensions mounted, Chairperson Ntambi proposed seeking guidance from the Mubende Chief Magistrate’s Court. However, Mubende Chief Administrative Officer Doreen Kakusuma referenced provisions of the Local Governments Act, appearing to support the position that executive participation required legal clarity before proceeding.
“We need legal guidance to ensure that whatever decision is taken is in line with the law,” Ntambi said.
Kakusuma added: “The law must be interpreted correctly and applied fairly to avoid unnecessary disputes.”
Speaker Balongo later adjourned the sitting for 15 minutes in an attempt to restore calm.
Outside the council chambers, some councillors accused the Speaker of bias and alleged external influence, warning that the dispute risked undermining unity in the new council.
“The Speaker should remain impartial and guide council according to the law, not according to pressure from interested parties,” said Councillor Sandra Kiwobudde.
“If he does not change his approach, these misunderstandings will continue to divide council,” added Councillor Anthony Guma.
Others questioned the Speaker’s handling of procedure, arguing that the escalation reflected weak leadership at a critical moment.
“The actions we witnessed today suggest that the Speaker does not fully understand the implications of the decisions he is making,” said Councillor Emmanuel Nsengiyunva.
After the adjournment elapsed, Speaker Balongo announced that the election of committee leaders had been postponed pending further consultation with government legal advisors.
The sitting eventually ended without the election of standing committee leaders, leaving a key governance structure unresolved at the council’s first meeting.