Mbarara speaker survives censure

MBARARA-A move by some Mbarara District councillors to censure their speaker, Mr William Tibamanya, on Thursday collapsed after they failed to raise the required quorum to execute their decision.

At an extra-ordinary council sitting presided over by assistant commissioner for Urban Administration in the Ministry of Local government, Mr Issa Gumonye, the councillors failed to raise the two thirds majority as required by law to have the speaker censured.

The censure motion movers accused the Speaker of incompetence, abuse of office and misconduct. Mr Tibamanya denied the allegations, citing political witch-hunt.

The session began with the lead petitioner, Mr Didas Tabaro, presenting his case and the speaker defending himself. However, when the matter was put to vote, the opposite sides tied on 16 votes each.

“The petitioners have failed to raise 22 members which is two thirds of all councillors (32), and in an event like this, the motion flops. Therefore, Mr Tibamanya remains the district speaker,” said Mr Gumonye.

He, however, cautioned the speaker that surviving this censure did not mean he was innocent.

“You have survived not because you don’t have problems. I, therefore, challenge you to reflect on what you have been doing and work according to your mandate,” said Mr Gumonye.

During presentation and deliberations on the petition, issues of sectarianism arose to the dismay of the Local Government ministry officials.

“There is a big problem in Mbarara and I will discuss this with the minister to come personally and meet you. You were elected to this council not because of religion but to bring services to the people. But when these things of religion come to cause disharmony, then there is a big problem,” said Mr Gumonye.

Mr Tibamanya said he was relieved after the censure flop because he intends to stand for the district chairman position in next year’s elections.

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