Councillors in Majanji, Busia district, have persistently defied directives from Michael Kibwika, the Busia Resident District Commissioner (RDC), regarding the closure of the sub-county chief and accountant's offices.  

The closure was prompted by allegations of embezzlement amounting to sh13 million. Despite the RDC's intervention efforts, the councillors have remained steadfast in their decision to keep the offices closed since May.  

As a result, the acting sub-county chief, Desiderio Okochi, and accountant Leonard Oundo have been left with no option but to operate in an independent manner, further highlighting the ongoing disregard for the RDC's orders. 

Karim Waiswa, the sub-county secretary for finance and administration, said they have requested Nassar Mukiibi, the Busia Chief Administrative Officer, to carry out an audit into the financial loss before they can reopen the offices.

Karim Waiswa, the sub-county secretary for finance and administration, said they have requested Nassar Mukiibi, the Busia Chief Administrative Officer, to carry out an audit. (Photo by Egessa Hajusu)

Clement Wanyama, the sub-county chairperson, clarified that they closed the offices not to force out the staff, but to preserve the documents. 

He appealed to Mukiibi to transfer the two officers, noting that they cannot work well with the two officers anymore. 

Service delivery including road and pit latrine construction meant for the fourth quarter of the 2022/23 financial year has stalled due to the standoff. The sub-county has also not received releases for the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. 

Kibwika attributed the conflict in Majanji to Okochi being disrespectful by allegedly despising the elected leaders by calling them illiterates. 

He appealed to technical officers to establish good working relationships with political leaders saying they are both put into service by the same government. 

Kibwika said he had written to Mukiibi requesting him to transfer the two men from Majanji and that Mukiibi said he was still making consultations. 

Kibwika said punitive measures against the two officers will base on the recommendations from the audit report. 

Waiswa however, said the officers went with the official sub-county stamp and receipt books and that they are handling the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme from wherever they are, noting many beneficiaries have confirmed receiving the money.