Jinja District Councillors Undergo Induction Following Mace-Grabbing Standoff

Jinja District councillors have recently participated in an intensive induction training program designed to resolve deep-seated divisions and physical confrontations within the local council. The training session follows a turbulent period that saw council proceedings severely disrupted over disagreements regarding the appointment of a representative to the District Public Service Commission.

The tensions notoriously boiled over on September 18, when Namagera Town Council councillor Joseph Ikoona allegedly grabbed the Speaker’s mace during a heated dispute over leadership nominations. The clash split the council into competing factions and led to the subsequent suspension of Mr. Ikoona and Buwenge councillor Sharif Pepe Mpoya over alleged misconduct, which ultimately disrupted four separate council sittings.

Organized by the Governance and Accountability Inter-District CSO Network (GAIN) on Friday, the capacity-building program aimed to address overlapping responsibilities and promote constructive dialogue. GAIN programmes manager Mr. Samson Okurut emphasized that personal ambitions should never overshadow service delivery, urging leaders to rely on dialogue rather than power struggles.

The training focused heavily on reinforcing councillors’ legislative, budgetary, and oversight responsibilities, including the monitoring of crucial government initiatives like the Parish Development Model. Regarding the disputed commission appointment, Mr. Okurut advised the district chairperson to consult with town council leaders to put forward a fresh nominee, warning that prolonged stalemates could stall the recruitment of essential public servants such as teachers, doctors, and nurses.

Jinja District Council Speaker Mr. Simon Kibombo and District Chairperson Mr. Moses Lwokyaza welcomed the initiative, noting that out of 24 members, 15 are newly elected and many lacked familiarity with local government operations and council procedures. Leaders expressed optimism that the new insights would prevent future standoffs and restore smooth council business. For more details, read the original report on Daily Monitor.