Masaka Mayor and RCC Clash Over Shs61 Million Road Project

A leadership crisis is unfolding in Masaka City following a bitter clash between Mayor Florence Namayanja and Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Ahmed Washaki over a road rehabilitation project in the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division.

The friction began when RCC Washaki intervened and impounded road construction equipment that was being used to transport murram for upgrading roads in Bulayi and Ssenyange. Washaki questioned the deployment of government vehicles on the project, pointing out that a contractor had already been allocated Shs61 million to execute the works, including material transportation.

The move drew immediate fury from Mayor Namayanja, who accused the RCC of deliberately frustrating local development and undermining the city’s infrastructure agenda. Namayanja revealed that she has formally petitioned several high-ranking government offices, including the Office of the President, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Inspectorate of Government, calling for formal investigations into Washaki’s conduct.

Tensions escalated further as the mayor issued an ultimatum for police to release the impounded machinery by Monday, threatening to mobilize local residents to shut down the Masaka Police Station if her demands are ignored. Namayanja defended the use of the equipment, arguing that the city lacks adequate machinery of its own to independently manage critical road repairs.

Despite the threats and pressure, RCC Washaki remained defiant, stating that he refuses to be intimidated. He confirmed that he has officially reported the matter to the Inspectorate of Government to ensure a thorough probe into the financial utilization of the Shs61 million project funds. Meanwhile, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division Mayor Ronald Kasekende has also weighed in, urging the RCC to properly verify project arrangements before taking disruptive administrative actions.

The ongoing standoff has temporarily stalled road improvements in the area, leaving residents anxious for a resolution as political and administrative leaders continue to trade accusations regarding transparency and resource management.

Read the full story on Nile Post.