By Umoja Standard Reporter.
Lwengo, Greater Masaka: Lwengo Town Council Clerk is on spot for mismanagement of revenues in the area. Mfitumukiza Muhammed has many times been accused by residents such till Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited (VUEL)- a local based organization that roots in ‘fighting corruption, human rights and legal protection in governmental and non-governmental institutions came in to pursue legal inquiries on alleged actions.
The organization (Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited) through its President Mr. Nzabanita Bruce Tushabe with powers enshrined in Access to Information Act 2005 and its subsequent statutory regulation of 2011 on 11th/November, 2022 issued a letter to the Principal Town Clerk, of Lwengo Town Council requesting for a public record in relation to revenue enhancement plan for FY 2019/20 and 2022/22 and a clarification on levying an alleged irregular dues in Lwengo Town Council.
Mr. Nzabanita Bruce Tushabe, President Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited/Courtesy Photo.
As earlier published by this website, the 21 days elapsed on 2nd/ December, 2022 but there was no official/clear response from the Town Clerk even when he confirmed receipt the letter.
This event was followed by a 7-day ultimatum in which he was supposed,
..halt levied taxation on people in question pending clarification and satisfaction of the organization’s request as earlier was,
..make available to their office certified copies of Lwengo Town Council Revenue Enhancement Plan for FY 2019/2020 and 2022/2022, this was as well not effected.
Due to the above, on 13th of December, 2022 Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited issued a letter to the Principal Town Clerk referenced ‘NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SUE’ that was received yesterday 14th/December, 2022 by Ssekandi Ismah- a Town Agent on his behalf.
“We are aware that one of the roles of and functions bestowed on you under the Local Government Act Cap 243 with specificity of section 65 2(a) ‘be responsible for the expending of the council’s funds and be the accounting officer of the relevant council’”. President Bruce said in a statement.
He stated that it is on record that they sought access to information from Principal Town Clerk’s Officer related to a public record in relation to revenue enhancement plan for FY 2019/20 and 2022/22 and a clarification on levying an alleged irregular dues in Lwengo Town Council, Lwengo District which he vehemently been denied.
He referred the Clerk to Section 46 (b) of the Access to Information Act 2005 which makes it an offense to conceal a record.
“Now take notice that our instructions are to demand as we hereby do that you avail us with the information as was requested within 7 days from the date of issuance of this notice”. President Nzabanita Bruce Tushabe.
He added that failure to release the information with in the stipulated period shall compel them to institute legal proceeding against him much to his detriment, perpetual regret and colossal loss.
Earlier on State Minister for Public Service Hon. Grace Mugasa stated that there are many qualified people willing to do anything to get positions in the public sector, and they get robbed by corrupt officials promising them jobs.
“This is what we are fighting. We want a levelled ground where candidates can fairly compete for the available opportunities”. She added.
This came at a time when Lwengo District has gaps in District Service Commission and responding to Hon. Minister’s statement, Mr. Kitatta Ibrahim Almalik the District Chairman said that there is unfortunate status quo in Lwengo District.
“The Public Service Commission has not come to our rescue even when an unqualified person was hired as Assistant Engineer irregularly and all evidence put on record, something needs to be done”. Said Chairman Kitatta.