Former district councillors in Namutumba District have petitioned the Minister of Local Government, seeking urgent intervention over alleged non-payment of their salaries, allowances and accumulated arrears, as well as a stalemate that has reportedly affected the approval of the district’s budget.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Local Government, the councillors claim that they have not received their lawful emoluments for May and June and that accumulated arrears remain unpaid despite repeated appeals to the district administration.
The councillors, operating under the Namutumba District Councillors’ Forum, say the delays have caused financial hardship and affected their ability to effectively perform their oversight and representative roles.
“We are particularly concerned by the apparent inaction of the office of the Chief Administrative Officer and other responsible officers who have failed to provide clear accountability regarding councillors’ funds,” the petition states.
The councillors further allege that there are reports suggesting that funds intended to clear their arrears could instead be diverted to offset district revenue obligations, although they say no official communication has been provided to clarify the matter.
The dispute has also reportedly affected the district’s budget process. According to the petitioners, a council sitting that was expected to consider and pass the Financial Year 2026/2027 budget was cancelled after councillors raised concerns about the delayed payments with the district’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
They argue that the delay in approving the budget could negatively affect service delivery and disrupt lawful governance procedures within the district.
The councillors are also seeking clarification regarding guidance reportedly issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, advising that May emoluments be paid to the outgoing council. They allege that the CAO declined to implement the guidance, insisting on making an independent decision.
In their petition, the councillors have asked the minister to direct district authorities to immediately settle all outstanding salaries, allowances and arrears owed to councillors. They have also called for investigations and administrative action against any officers found responsible for negligence, financial mismanagement or abuse of office.
“The continued failure to address these issues undermines confidence in local government administration and negatively affects effective service delivery to the people of Namutumba District,” the councillors said.
The petition was copied to the Regional Inspector General of Government in Jinja, the Namutumba Chief Administrative Officer, the District Chairperson, the Chief Finance Officer and the former District Speaker.
The signatories to the petition include Isaac Isabirye, Mary Mukyala, Oliver Kawala, Hasifa Namukose, Olivia Rehema Nabirye and Winniefred Nabirye.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Namutumba District administration were not immediately successful by press time.
