Tensions flared in Masaka City as councilors took decisive action against Speaker Mr. Tony Ssempijja, accusing him of office abuse and incompetence. Councilor Ms. Zahara Nalubyayi spearheaded a censure motion, citing Ssempijja’s breach of procedural rules by calling sudden council sessions. In a resounding decision, thirteen out of fifteen councilors voted for his removal.
The council’s grievances extended to Ssempijja’s inclusion of an unauthorized item in the agenda, considered a breach of protocol. Minister Raphael Magyezi presided over a meeting where Ssempijja defended himself but requested additional time to prepare a written defense, a request denied by the council.
Despite Ssempijja’s acknowledgment of mistakes and plea for forgiveness, the council proceeded with the vote, replacing him with Deputy Mayor Achilles Mawanda. Ssempijja, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), expressed intentions to challenge his dismissal in court.
The election faced complications regarding proposed Deputy Speaker positions when the nominees declined. Minister Magyezi urged unity among councilors, emphasizing the necessity for harmony to ensure effective service delivery. He advised the new Speaker, Mawanda, to prioritize fostering unity among the council members.
According to the Local Government Act Section 11(6), a speaker can be removed for reasons including incompetence or misconduct. The role of the Speaker involves presiding over meetings, maintaining order, and carrying out functions akin to a parliamentary Speaker.
