The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) council meetings continue to be disrupted as several councillors neglect their duties in pursuit of better opportunities, with some reportedly having left the country after being sworn in. Despite their absence, these councillors continue to receive salaries from public funds.
On Tuesday, City Speaker Zahara Luyirika was compelled to adjourn the council meeting after failing to secure the necessary quorum. The council, comprising 54 councillors including the Lord Mayor, requires a minimum of 27 members for a sitting. However, only 12 councillors attended Tuesday’s session.
Reports indicate that some absentee councillors abandoned their duties to go abroad, with some having left as far back as two years ago. In September last year, Speaker Luyirika wrote to Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago explaining that the councillors were on study and medical leave. “These individuals are on leave and followed the due process,” Luyirika wrote on September 5.
On September 8, 2023, KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka proposed that the seats of the absent councillors be declared vacant. However, this proposal was opposed by State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who argued that the missing councillors were on official leave.
Engineer David Luyimbazi told Nile Post that the responsibility to prove they are on study leave lies with the councillors. “If they do so, we shall reinstate them,” he said.
More than 30 councillors, including those from divisions such as Rubaga, Makindye, Kawempe, and Central Division, petitioned Minister Kyofatogabye after KCCA blocked their salaries. The minister sided with the councillors.
Each councillor earns Shs3.5 million per month, drawn from the consolidated fund.
