By Kweronda Ambrose
in Kabale——
www.mknewslink.com
The Minister for Local Government and the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Local Government have disowned the decision made by the Town Clerk of Kabale Municipality to deny the NRM (National Resistance Movement) party in Kabale the use of the Kabale Municipal Stadium.
Both officials have made it clear that the government is only aware of the NRM Liberation Day celebrations scheduled for January 26, 2025, and no other functions are authorized on that date.
In a phone conversation with our reporter, Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, and hon Raphael Magyezi, the Minister for Local Government, expressed their disapproval of the Town Clerk’s actions.
The PS said, “I am not, and nor is the Minister, aware of any activities in Kabale. If there are any, the NRM activities take precedence over any other function. Any decisions the Town Clerk is making regarding this matter are individual decisions and do not reflect the position of the Ministry of Local Government.”
He stated that they had instructed the Town Clerk to allow the NRM to use the stadium for the Liberation Day celebrations. Ben emphasized that if any other events were planned for the same day, the Town Clerk should ensure that the NRM is granted access to the stadium.
The official also mentioned that he had received numerous complaints from stakeholders who were concerned about the Town Clerk’s decision to deny the stadium to the NRM, despite the fact that the stadium had previously been used for other events.
He thanked the president for the leadership to the country for the last 39thyears and wished the country happy celebrations.
This controversy emerged after the Kabale District NRM Administrative Secretary, Mr. Amos Rwansheija, submitted a request to the Town Clerk of Kabale Municipality, asking for the reservation of the stadium. A copy of the letter, dated January 8, 2025, obtained by this website, bears the stamps and signatures of various security agencies, including the Offices of the RDC, RPC, RISO, DISO, and the UPDF Command, all acknowledging receipt of the request.
Initially, the NRM had planned to commemorate the Liberation Day with various activities, including football matches, a procession involving the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) band, as well as patriotic clubs and the general public.
However, the Town Clerk, Mr. Jamilu Kasajja Kairu, responded on the same day, informing the NRM office that the stadium had already been booked by the Kabale Football Association for unspecified activities. The Town Clerk instructed the NRM district administrative secretary to find an alternative venue, stressing the importance of respecting the prior booking.
This development comes amid another controversy regarding the final match of the Ajja Football Tournament, organized by former Kabale Municipality MP Andrew Ajja Baryayanga, and the NRM Liberation Cup, organized by the Kabale District NRM Youth Leaders. Both events were scheduled to take place at the Kabale Municipal Stadium on the same day.
According to the NRM Liberation Day organizers, the youth leaders, with guidance from party elders, had decided to organize the celebrations independently. The event would feature various activities, including a sports gala with 24 registered teams, rugby matches, processions led by the UPDF band, police, and patriotic clubs. It was also set to include live broadcasts of the national celebrations from Mubende, screenings of President Museveni’s address, and discussions among party members.
The NRM leadership in Kabale also emphasized that the 39th Liberation Day would be an important occasion to build momentum for upcoming political events, including President Museveni’s anticipated visit to Kigezi as part of his Parish Development Model (PDM) tours. They also planned to use the occasion to promote voter registration updates and mobilize grassroots support for future party initiatives.
When contacted, the Kabale District Security Committee denied any knowledge of a letter from the Kabale Football Association or any clearance for their claimed booking of the stadium.
While the Town Clerk holds administrative authority over municipal resources, questions have arisen as to whether he can justifiably deny the ruling NRM party access to a public facility on such a significant occasion.