By Marion Kabageny | Masindi
The Masindi Municipality Speaker, Tadeo Opio, has dismissed a motion seeking to impeach the Mayor, Ronald Kyomuhendo Businge.
The motion, presented by Councillor Peter Ndabi Isingoma, called for permission to compile evidence and documentation against the mayor on allegations of financial misconduct, unauthorized implementation of council resolutions, and other irregularities.
Ndabi’s accusations included claims that UGX 148 million from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) was misappropriated by the mayor. He alleged that the funds, meant for local groups, were not accounted for and that groups cited as beneficiaries could not be found.
Ndabi also raised concerns over the continued occupation of municipal property by James Ventures, a private company, and unresolved issues related to Kirasa Market.
Responding to the motion, Speaker Opio acknowledged receiving Ndabi’s request on Thursday last week but admitted to delays in issuing a formal response due to a personal bereavement.
Opio stated that Ndabi’s impatience and pressure tactics, including personal inquiries about the delay, reflected a lack of professionalism.
“I had intended to respond within two days, but due to unavoidable circumstances, it took five days. However, the councillor acted inappropriately by assuming my delay meant siding with the mayor,” Opio explained. He further dismissed Ndabi’s approach as disrespectful to the speaker’s office.
Opio ultimately ruled against granting Ndabi leave, arguing that the motion lacked a solid foundation and showed procedural inconsistencies.
In response to the ruling, Ndabi accused the speaker of bias, questioning how the motion could be dismissed before evidence was presented.
Fred Alinaitwe, a councillor who supported the motion, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that the mayor had failed in his duties and that the speaker had denied an opportunity to hear all parties.
Mayor Ronald Kyomuhendo Businge denied all allegations, asserting that Ndabi’s motion was fueled by personal grievances. “I am here to deliver services to the people, not to engage in personal vendettas,” the mayor stated.
The debate over the motion highlights growing tensions within the Masindi Municipal Council.