Kamuli, Uganda: The late Kamuli District LCV Chairperson Maxwell Charles Mugudde Kuwembula was laid to rest over the weekend amid fresh concerns over unaccounted government funds meant for road works in the district.
Speaking at the final send-off function held on Sunday, June 15, at the late’s ancestral home in Nakyaka Village, Buleeta Zone, Butansi Sub-county, the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magezi, directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kamuli District to investigate how Shs1 billion sent by the central government for road construction was utilized.
“The government released funds to construct roads, but it is disheartening that the very road the Chairperson used to access his home remained impassable,” said Magezi, referring to the Budhumbula-Bulunda road in Butansi.
“CAO, I direct you to investigate how this money was spent. It is painful that a chairperson fails to construct a road he uses, yet he supervises allocations.”
There were claims that Kuwembula was under intense pressure over poor road conditions in the district, a factor mourners said may have contributed to his declining health.
Hon Magezi also instructed the CAO to swear in Deputy Chairperson Sarah Sambya as acting LCV Chairperson, pending further guidance from the Electoral Commission.
“In local government, we don’t entertain a vacuum. I direct you to get a magistrate and swear in the deputy to take over office,” the Minister emphasized, calling for unity and collective leadership in Busoga.
Leading the funeral mass, the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Samson Naimane Mukembo urged Busoga’s political leaders to embrace peace and service above hatred. “Politics is not a dirty game. Leadership is leadership. Focus on peace, love, and unity to transform your communities,” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni, in a condolence message read by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga hailed Kuwembula as a dedicated NRM mobilizer who faithfully implemented the party manifesto.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany and former Kamuli District Chairperson, Stephen Mubiru, used the platform to endorse Kazungu Apollo as a potential candidate to succeed the late Kuwembula.
The burial ceremony drew scores of mourners, including ministers, members of parliament, and Owek. Dr. Joseph Muvawala Nsekere, the Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom.
Kuwembula is survived by one widow and six children, three boys and three girls, the youngest currently in Primary Two.
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