ROAD TO 2026. Rukiga District Vice Chairperson Vows to Unseat his Boss.

The Rukiga District L.C5 Vice Chairperson, Mr. Samuel Niwandinda, has announced his intention to contest for the LC.5 Chairman position in the 2025/2026 general election, citing several issues that the incumbent has failed to address.

The Rukiga LC.5 seat is currently held by Mr. Mbabazi Robert Kakwereere, who assumed office in 2021, replacing Dr. Alexander Akampikaho.

Following his inauguration as the District’s Political head, Mr. Kakwereere appointed an executive committee, naming Samuel Niwandinda as his Deputy. Niwandinda, who also serves as the LC.5 Councilor representing Rwamucuucu Sub-County, was appointed Secretary for the District Committee charged with Finance and Administration.

However, during a press conference held today at White Horse Inn Kabale, Niwandinda stated that he had struggled to fulfill his advisory role to the District Chairperson due to Kakwereere’s failure to address several issues affecting service delivery in the District.

Despite his frequent advice, Mr. Kakwereere has allegedly refused to provide regular public accountability of funds received from the central government and local revenue collections, relying solely on council sessions.

“If neighboring districts like Rubanda and Kabale can provide annual public accountability through radio broadcasts and press conferences, why can’t Rukiga do the same ?” Niwandinda asked, emphasizing that this lack of transparency has led voters to perceive the District Council as non-performing.

CUE IN…NIWANDINDA ON ACCOUNTABILITY

Niwandinda also highlighted the high staff turnover rate due to lack of motivation as a significant challenge to effective service delivery. He noted that several Rukiga District staff members had sought transfers to other districts after years of service without receiving motivation, such as rewards or promotions.

“Consider a Human Resource Officer who has served as department head for three to four years, with a clear opportunity for promotion to Senior Human Resource Officer. Why wouldn’t they seek opportunities elsewhere?” Niwandinda questioned.

Niwandinda announced his intention to contest for the LC.5 Chairman position, starting with the NRM Primary election scheduled for August this year, to address the issues his boss has failed to tackle.

CUE IN…NIWANDINDA ON STAFF TURNOVER

However, in a phone interview, the incumbent Rukiga District LC.5 Chairperson, Mbabazi Robert Kakwereere, dismissed Niwandinda’s reasons for contesting as mere “excuses” and “diversion.” Kakwereere claimed that Niwandinda had never raised these issues during the District Executive meetings held monthly.

“If he claims to have raised these issues in executive meetings and they weren’t addressed, then they should have been forwarded to the District Council for further action,” Kakwereere stated.

He acknowledged Niwandinda’s constitutional right to contest but viewed his accusations of administrative failures as a diversionary tactic.

CUE IN…KAKWEREERE ON NIWANDINDA

ABOUT SAMUEL NIWANDINDA

Mr. Niwandinda was born on March 3, 1988, in Kabirizi Village, Kitojo Parish, Rwamucuucu Subcounty, Rukiga District, to a family of peasants. He attended Rukiga Primary School, starting in 1995, and sat for the Primary Leaving Exams. Niwandinda then joined Kihanga Secondary School for his O-level education, obtaining his Uganda Certificate of Education.

Due to financial constraints, Niwandinda enrolled in the Grade Three Teaching Certificate program at Bukinda Primary Teachers’ College instead of pursuing A-level studies. After completing his teaching certificate, Niwandinda worked and saved to fund his education, eventually enrolling in the Diploma in Education program at National Teachers College, Kabale.

He later pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Social Administration at Kabale University and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in the same field.

In 2021, Niwandinda won the election for LC.5 Councilor for Rwamucuucu Subcounty, replacing Eddie Mugisha. After being sworn in, Niwandinda was appointed District Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Finance and Administration.