GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
Rukiga District Chairman, LC5 Mbabazi Robert Kakwerere, has dismissed his deputy, Samuel Niwandinda, after the latter declared his intention to contest against him in the upcoming elections.
In a letter dated September 5, 2025, addressed to the district speaker, Kakwerere cited insubordination and violation of the oath of allegiance as reasons for Niwandinda’s dismissal from his roles as district vice chairperson and secretary for finance, planning, and administration.
The letter further states that the duties of the district vice chairperson will be assigned to another member of the executive until the next council session when a substantive replacement will be presented for approval.
Niwandinda had publicly announced his decision to run against Kakwerere during a press conference held on January 20 at White Horse Inn Hotel in Kabale Municipality. He accused Kakwerere of failing to provide public accountability to the electorate, which he claimed had hindered the effectiveness of their work. He further alleged that Kakwerere disregarded advice from the executive and had failed in his oversight responsibilities concerning key government programs such as Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Program, and the Women Empowerment Project.
Additionally, Niwandinda criticized the lack of independence within district commissions, including the Service Commission, Land Board, and Public Accounts Committee, which he argued had negatively impacted service delivery in the district.
As the district councilor representing Rwamucucu Sub-county, Niwandinda reaffirmed his commitment to contesting against Kakwerere in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, vowing to address the issues his boss has allegedly failed to resolve.
