Senior Reporter
Kisoro District’s LC5 Chairman, Abel Bizimana, faced suspension from attending a district council session by District Speaker Amos Hakizimana, who cited allegations of unethical conduct and misconduct.
The council approved a budget of 57,587,763,000 Billion Shillings for the F/Y 2024/2025, with Education receiving 22 Billion and Health 16 Billion.
The suspension came after Hakizimana barred Bizimana from making submissions due to his failure to notify the speaker in advance. Southern Division Councillor Agaba James requested the speaker to present a letter from Bizimana granting him permission to speak, in accordance with formal procedures outlined in a previous letter sent to Bizimana. Agaba stressed the importance of not personalizing the office and reminded Bizimana of the speaker’s directive to submit contributions three days prior to the meeting.
Despite the Chief Administrative Officer’s suggestion to reclassify Bizimana’s submissions as remarks, allowing him to inform the council, Hakizimana maintained his decision. This led to a heated exchange between Hakizimana and Bizimana, resulting in Bizimana leaving the meeting.
Bizimana accused the speaker of political motives, alleging harassment as Hakizimana supported Bizimana’s opponent, Kanya Roland Nkrumah, in the race for the Bufumbira East parliamentary seat, currently held by Dr. James Nsaba Buturo. Bizimana announced plans to address the incident with the Attorney General and the Minister of Local Government.
