Busia chairperson ‘holds CAO hostage’ in office over car dispute

Busia District Chairman Mr Stephen Mugeni Wasike has sparked controversy after holding the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) hostage in his office, demanding a car to be allocated to him. 

According to eyewitnesses, Mr Mugeni arrived at the CAO's office around 6:55 PM on Tuesday, accompanied by a group of other men.

He demanded a car, citing it was unacceptable for the district chairman to walk on foot when the district had a fleet of cars allocated to various department heads.
The CAO, Mr David Lubuka had offered Mr Mugeni a car with a driver, but the chairman insisted on driving himself.

Mr Lubuka cited local government standing orders requiring district cars to be driven by qualified drivers recruited by the local government.
However, Mr Mugeni rejected this, leading to a tense standoff that lasted nearly three hours.

Mr Lubuka was eventually forced to escape through a side door and seek refuge at a nearby hotel, from where he managed to contact police for assistance.
Police confirmed that Mr Mugeni had camped in the CAO's office, demanding a car.
The officer in charge of Busia Central Police Station Mr Hakim Mugwana, said police received a distress call from the CAO at around 9 pm.

"We were called by the CAO, who was saying the chairman was stuck in his office," Mr Mugwana explained.
Upon arrival, Mr Mugwana and his team found Mr Mugeni seated in the CAO's office, still demanding a car. Despite the police's attempts to reason with him, Mr Mugeni reportedly remained adamant.
"I'm the district chairman, and I'm here to tell the CAO to give me another car. Otherwise, I'll spend the night here," he insisted.

The police then attempted to forcibly remove him from the office, but Mr Mugeni resisted, leading to a confrontation.
The standoff follows a court directive ordering Mr Mugeni to surrender a double-cabin vehicle (UG 4637M) to the police for investigation in a criminal case involving the alleged theft of car parts.
Mr Mugeni is facing charges of stealing an engine and gearbox and reportedly complied with the directive, leaving him without transportation.

Mr  Mugeni was arrested on May 2, 2025, by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and remanded to Masafu prison over allegations of stealing motor vehicle parts valued at approximately Shs30 million.
He was later released on court bail after appearing before the Busia chief magistrate Mr Thomas Okoth
The CAO believes Mr Mugeni has been responsible for damaging the district's fleet and has decided to provide him with a car and driver only.

Mr Mageni speak out
When contacted, Mr Mugeni told this publication that he had visited the office of the CAO to demand a car, but was turned down.
"'Yes, I was indeed in the office of CAO demanding to be given a car, but unfortunately, he objected to my proposal,’’ Mr Mugeni said.
Mr Mugeni has a history of clashing with CAOs in the district over issues like vehicle usage, recruitment, and fund management.

Critics accuse him of assuming exaggerated powers, including the title of "district governor," which is not recognized in Ugandan law.
Sources at the district say some technocrats have retired or asked to be transferred because of Muegeni’s actions over the years.

Lawyer Mr Mayende Sironda attributes the conflicts to the Local Government Act's lack of clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the district chairperson, CAO, and Resident District Commissioners.  
 "The Local Government Act totally does not spell out clearly the powers of the Resident District Commissioner, CAO, and district chairpersons," Mr Sironda said.