Kayunga LC5 Chairman Andrew Muwonge Sues Whistleblower Over Corruption Claims

The political tension in Kayunga District has escalated into a formal legal showdown. The district’s LC 5 Chairman, Mr. Andrew Muwonge, has launched a defamation lawsuit against prominent local whistleblower Mr. Sam Mukasa, following explosive corruption accusations brought before the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Mr. Balaam Barugahare, during a recent tour.

The dispute began during a heated anti-corruption gathering at the Ntenjeru District headquarters. Mr. Mukasa, a member of the Kayunga Elders’ Forum and former local councillor, publicly accused Mr. Muwonge of abuse of office, job selling, land grabbing, and conflict of interest. Specifically, the whistleblower alleged that the district chief had illegally acquired prime police property and funneled lucrative public construction contracts to a family-connected firm, JIIRA Construction Co. Ltd.

Mr. Muwonge swiftly denied all allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated smears from adversaries bitter about his election victory. The NRM-leaning chairman subsequently filed a civil suit, prompting the Kayunga Chief Magistrates Court to summon Mr. Mukasa to file his defense. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Muwonge defended his family’s business ties, asserting that companies associated with relatives are legally permitted to bid for public contracts provided due process is observed.

Undeterred by the legal action, Mr. Mukasa held a separate press briefing, maintaining that he possesses documented evidence linking the chairman’s wife to JIIRA Construction Co. Ltd bank accounts. He vowed to press forward with a Constitutional Court petition to challenge the suitability of officials facing ongoing graft investigations to hold public office.

The high-profile legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of wider administrative turmoil in Kayunga District, where several departmental heads have already been interdicted following separate probes by the Inspectorate of Government and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.