FLASHBACK: How Lukwago was impeached

FLASHBACK

By Andante Okanya & Juliet Waiswa

Erias Lukwago lost his seat as Lord Mayor of Kampala in a stormy council meeting chaired by Kampala minister early this week (although court on Thurday declared that he is still Lord Mayor).

In the special Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) meeting held on Monday in the council chambers, Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister for Presidency and Kampala Affairs steered the debate, which had 29 councilors vote for Lukwago’s removal.

“Under the Kampala Capital City Act, 2010, you (councilors) may decide to move a motion for a resolution to remove the Lord Mayor from office and this will have to be supported by a vote of two thirds majority for it to pass,” Tumwebaze stated.

The prelude to Lukwago’s ouster was on November 14 when the tribunal report on his conduct, found that he had a case to answer.

Prior on May 15, 17 councilors petitioned the Minister, accusing Lukwago of incompetence, misconduct, and abuse of office. Only three councilors voted against Lukwago’s removal in the meeting that started at 9:00am amidst heavy security presence.

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It was a dramatic scene at City Hall. PHOTO/Godfrey Kimono

Lukwago was absent and the Lord Mayor’s official seat was unoccupied.

The motion for the removal was moved at 9:20am by Makindye East councilor Baker Sserwamba (NRM) and seconded by Lubaga councilor Godfrey Asiimwe (NRM).

Unlike the usual authority meetings, the Sergeant at Arms was not dressed in his official attire of white shirt and trousers.

He also did not have the mace, which is the symbol of the Lord Mayor’s authority, when chairing meetings. The mace is kept in the Lord Mayor’s office, which was locked and his absence implied that the mace could not be present.

Shortly before the matter was put to vote, Tumwebaze inquired whether Lukwago was present or if he had legal representation.

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29 councilors voted in favour of removal of Erias Lukwago from office. PHOTO/Maria Wamala

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And three voted against his removal (only two can be seen in picture).  PHOTO/Maria Wamala

Youth councilor Aida Nakuya then sprung from her seat on a point of order, to which Tumwebaze obliged. She said there was no deputy Lord Mayor – implying the authority was not fully constituted.

Nakuya also asked for more time to enable the councilors comprehend the tribunal report and make an informed decision.

But Nakawa councilor Apollo Mugume on a point of information, said the election of the four councilors representing professional bodies, made the authority fully-constituted.

Tumwebaze overruled Nakuya, saying he had been fully advised by the KCCA legal team that the authority was fully-constituted. He noted that it was regrettable that Lukwago had chosen not to attend the meeting, yet he had been notifi ed and expected to attend.

His response threw the house in disarray when Makindye West councilor Alan Ssewanyana stood up on a point of order, brandishing a document, claiming it was a court order halting the meeting.

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Makindye West councilor Alan Ssewanya stood up hard against the proceedings. PHOTO/Maria Wamala

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. . .  and he attempted to resist being thrown out of the chambers. PHOTO/Maria Wamala

He disrupted proceedings, despite Tumwebaze’s pleas for calm.

Deputy Lord Mayor Sulaiman Kidandala in an attempt to calm the situation implored Ssewanyana to resume his seat.

Kidandala pleaded that it was unfair for the meeting to proceed without Lukwago defending himself, in line with the rules of natural justice.

Ssewanyana, who was seated about half a metre from the Minister seemed to have calmed down. He suddenly climbed onto a table, in front of him as he denounced the proceedings.

Immediately security officers on the orders of Tumwebaze arrested Ssewanyana and whisked him out of the chambers amidst chants from the anti- Lukwago councilors.

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Medard Ssegona, one of Lukwago's lawyers, was blocked by Police at the gate of City Hall. PHOTO/Godfrey Kimono

KCCA executive director Jennifer Musisi, together with Nakawa division Mayor Benjamin Kalumba, and Kampala Central division Mayor Godfrey Nyakaana, were in attendance.

As he closed the meeting, Tumwebaze implored Lukwago and his supporters to respect the proceedings. He noted that the law grants Lukwago 21 days within which to challenge the councilors decision, stating that “it is not the end of the world” for Lukwago.

Speaking shortly after the meeting that closed at exactly 10:00am, Kampala resident city commissioner Mpimbaza Hashaka reassured the councilors of security. He asked them to report any threats to their lives.

Adam Kibuuka (Kisenyi) slammed Ssewanyana, saying his conduct was unbefitting. He said Ssewanyana should have behaved like his colleagues who exhibited civility.

After the impeachment, councilors and supporters jubilated. They denounced Lukwago as arrogant and disrespectful.

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JEREMIAH 1: 19: "They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD."