Namisindwa, Uganda: The outgoing Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson, Jackson Wakweika has refused to hand over office, insisting that his term only ends after the swearing-in of newly elected leaders.
The standoff follows a government directive requiring all outgoing local government leaders to hand over office by May 12, 2026, following the swearing-in of President Yoweri Museveni for a new term in office.
According to the Ministry of Local Government guidelines, the swearing-in of local government leaders is scheduled to take place between May 13 and May 29 across the country.
Several leaders in districts and cities including Mbale City, Bududa, Bulambuli and Kampala reportedly complied with the directive and officially handed over office.
However, Wakweika reportedly shocked residents after returning to office on Wednesday, May 13, and continuing with official duties despite the handover directive.
Residents and concerned citizens have since questioned why the official LC5 vehicle remains under Wakweika’s control, arguing that government guidelines required such vehicles to be parked at police stations pending swearing-in of new office bearers.
The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of Elijah Madoi, the Namisindwa Resident District Commissioner, who pledged to follow up on the situation.
Wakweika lost the LC5 seat during the January 21 elections to Emma Bwayo, his former district youth councillor.
The swearing-in ceremony for newly elected leaders in Namisindwa has been scheduled for May 21 at the district headquarters.
The disagreement now adds fresh tension to the district’s leadership transition process as residents await official intervention from government authorities regarding the handover dispute.
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