The Mpigi District Council has rejected the appointment of former Deputy Speaker Andrew Mwanje to the district executive committee, shortly after his name was proposed by newly sworn-in LCV Chairperson Peter Kawuki.
During a council sitting, Kawuki nominated Mwanje to serve as Secretary for Production and Works. However, the nomination was immediately challenged by Buwama Town Council Councillor Joseph Ssempijja, who moved a motion opposing the appointment.
Ssempijja cited concerns over Mwanje’s conduct on social media, which he described as bringing the district into disrepute, as well as ongoing allegations linking the former deputy speaker to the suspected mismanagement of UGX 25 million belonging to the Mawokota South Performing Artists Emyooga SACCO.
The motion received support from a majority of councillors and was subsequently adopted by the council, effectively blocking Mwanje’s appointment to the executive committee.
Following the rejection, Chairperson Kawuki proposed another candidate for the position. Mpigi Town Council Councillor Musa Bukenya was then nominated and endorsed by councillors across political divides, including members from both the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), to serve as Secretary for Production and Works.
The development has generated discussion among some members of the Mawokota South Performing Artists Emyooga SACCO, who have questioned Mwanje’s eligibility for membership in the association. Some members reportedly argued that they were unfamiliar with any artistic work associated with him and called for clarification regarding his connection to the SACCO.
Meanwhile, sources within the district administration have alleged that Mwanje’s return to active council politics is part of a wider struggle involving factions within the district’s technical and political leadership.
One source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, claimed that certain technical officers were backing Mwanje in an effort to influence council decisions and challenge the authority of the newly elected LCV chairperson.
According to the source, there were concerns among some district leaders that attempts were being made to build a coalition capable of exerting influence over both the district council and the executive arm of the local government.
Neither Mwanje nor the district technical officers accused by the source had publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
The council’s decision marks one of the first major political tests for Chairperson Kawuki’s new administration and highlights emerging power struggles within Mpigi District’s local government structures.
