Written By | BK Mugizi
Twebaze Prosper in white shirt with district lawyer Isaac Walukagga after the court session
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BUSHENYI
The High Court in Bushenyi has temporarily halted the operations of the Bushenyi District Executive Committee until July 14 following a legal challenge filed by five district councillors over alleged irregularities in district leadership processes.
The interim injunction was issued on Monday by the Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Andrew Kabombo, sitting in chambers, after hearing a miscellaneous application filed by the councillors.
The applicants are Douglas Mucunguzi, the representative for Persons with Disabilities and former District Speaker; Denis Nayebare Kanyankole, councillor for Ruhumuro Sub-county; David Kakama, councillor for Bumbaire Sub-county; Allan Arinda, councillor for Nyakabirizi Division; and Asingwire Anthony Katwara, the workers' representative.
Through their lawyers, M/S Oine and Nuwagaba Advocates, the applicants sued Bushenyi District Chairperson Prosper Twebaze, District Speaker Banyanga Silag, and the Bushenyi District Local Government.
The councillors are challenging the procedures used in nominating members to the District Service Commission and appointing members of the District Executive Committee.
Counsel for the respondents, Isaac Walukaga, said the interim injunction effectively suspends all activities of the District Executive Committee until the matter is heard and determined.
However, Walukaga clarified that the order does not affect resolutions already passed by the District Council, including the approval of the two nominated members of the District Service Commission.
Speaking to journalists after the court ruling, District Chairperson Prosper Twebaze described the injunction as a setback to service delivery in Bushenyi District.
Twebaze said the district leadership would be unable to execute several administrative functions until July 14 unless the court issues further directives.
He further revealed that the district had already lost approximately Shs1.7 billion in wage allocations, which were returned to the Treasury following delays in approving the District Service Commission.
Twebaze also warned that Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality risks missing funding opportunities under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme due to staffing gaps.
"Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality was expecting funding from the World Bank under the UCMID programme, but because it does not have a Senior Auditor, which is one of the requirements, it is likely to miss out on the funding. Had the District Service Commission not been challenged, we would have appointed that officer," Twebaze said.
Some district leaders criticised the court action.
Adnan Tumuhairwe, the LC V councillor for Kakanju Sub-county, and Richard Tugabirwe, councillor for Kyamuhunga Sub-county, accused the petitioning councillors of frustrating service delivery.
They argued that the injunction would delay recruitment processes, particularly in the health sector, where Bushenyi District is estimated to have a staffing gap of about 30 percent.
According to the councillors, failure to operationalise the District Service Commission means the district cannot advertise and fill critical positions needed to improve public service delivery.
The matter is expected to return to court on July 14, 2026, for further hearing.
