CAO, LC5 boss held hostage

Kween Chief Administrative officer Micheal Nandala and LC5 chairman Paul Kapchemeiko Machinjach were yesterday held hostage for hours by residents protesting the re-location of the district headquarters.

According to police, about 500 residents ring-fenced Mr Nandala and Mr Machinjach’s offices, protesting council decision to relocate district headquarters from Binyiny to Kaproron Town Council.

Ms Diana Nandawula, the Elgon police spokesperson, said that by the time police arrived, residents, armed with stones and sticks had destroyed culverts, making roads impassable.

“We managed to calm down the situation by talking to them peacefully as we rescued the two officers who had been taken hostage. We eventually tasked the district leaders to sensitise the residents about the development,” she said.

The district in an extra-ordinary meeting, resolved to shift the district headquarters from Binyiny while other departments are housed in Kaproron, a move rejected by a section of councillors, sparking off protests.

The group, which started their protest early morning, said Binyiny was approved as the headquarters by the council last year.
The RDC, Mr Joseph Okwakao, and the police held a meeting with the residents, saying the matter was being sorted to avoid such skirmishes.

It was also agreed that the speaker and the clerk ensure the meetings are alternated between Binyiny and Kaproron.

Some councillors, headed by Mr Solomon Cherop, the LC5 councillor for Binyiny, said although they discussed the resolution, there were disagreements and thus, it was wrong for the Chief Administrative Officer to rush and effect implementations.