The Luwero District LC5 Chairperson, Erastus Kibirango, has resumed his official duties after the government assigned him a brand-new vehicle worth over Shs200 million.
Two weeks ago, detectives from the Savannah Regional Police Command raided Kibirango’s home in Wobulenzi Town Council and impounded his official district-funded vehicle.
He is being investigated for alleged misuse of the government car, registration number LG 00066-068, after he reportedly used it during a campaign rally for then-NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi at Kalungi playground in Nakasongola District.
Kibirango appeared before the Savannah Regional Police CID boss, SSP Frederick Wetaya, to defend himself against allegations of abusing his office and using a government vehicle contrary to the Presidential Elections Act.
The impounded car remains parked at the Savannah Regional Police Headquarters. Last week, district councillors appealed to the Chief Administrative Officer, Innocent Asaba, to intervene and secure its release.
Since the vehicle was seized, Kibirango had been walking to work and scaling down his field assignments due to lack of transport.
“Sometimes I borrow cars from department heads to monitor government projects, and where possible I walk. I am waiting for Police to take me to court so I can argue my case,” said Kibirango, a lawyer by profession.
On Friday, October 31, 2025, Kibirango was among the 176 LC5 chairpersons and mayors nationwide who received new vehicles from the Ministry of Local Government to support their work.
He received a new Toyota Hilux double-cabin pickup, registration UG 34 00239. His driver, John Matovu—who is also facing charges alongside him—was on Monday seen using the vehicle to support the education department in transporting Primary Leaving Examination materials.
The handover event at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds saw 135 district chairpersons, 10 city mayors, and 31 municipal leaders receive new vehicles. Representing the Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi cautioned leaders to use the vehicles strictly for official duties.
“These vehicles are not for luxury or personal use; they are tools to improve service delivery and bring government services closer to our people,” Magyezi said.
He further directed that all old vehicles previously allocated to district chairpersons and mayors be handed over to the respective speakers of districts, cities, and municipalities to facilitate council operations and strengthen local legislative functions.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, also urged leaders to monitor government programmes actively.
“Local leaders should closely follow up on projects and revenue to ensure services make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” he said.
The 176 vehicles, valued at Shs35.2 billion, were supplied in fulfillment of a presidential pledge.
Kibirango’s receipt of a new car has excited local leaders and supporters in Luwero, many of whom previously accused police of harassment and selective enforcement of the law.
They claimed security agencies ignored cases where government vehicles were allegedly used to campaign for President Museveni, yet chose to target Kibirango.
Savannah Regional Police forwarded Kibirango’s case file to the Resident State Attorney, though it remains unclear whether charges have been sanctioned.
Police released Kibirango after questioning, but he has not yet been formally charged or arraigned in court.
