Mukono-Residents of Kisinsi village in Mugomba Parish in Mpatta Sub County in Mukono district have ejected their LC I chairperson, Tonny Ssempiga for the alleged abuse of office, mistreatment of residents, and dishonesty.
The residents censured Ssempiga in a security meeting convened by the Mukono Resident District Commissioner, Fatumah Ndisaba Tuesday. During the meeting, residents accused Ssempiga of illegally detaining them in his office as well as whipping night commuters without genuine reasons.
Harriet Nanteza, one of the residents who attended the meeting, accused Ssempinga of beating her up together with her children and husband while their way from their garden late in the evening. She claimed that the chairperson detained her husband in his office for the entire night and he returned home the following day with a fractured hand.
Maliko Ndawula, another resident, says that the chairperson has been conniving with rich people to sign fake land agreements besides threatening to arrest them whenever they complain about the fraud.
Mpatta LC 3 Chairperson, Mande Kimbugwe, who witness Ssempiga take over the office after the death of the former chairperson, knelt down and apologized to the residents for presiding over his confirmation as the village chairperson.
Kimbugwe also revealed that he had recieved several complaints on land involving Ssempinga.
In her speech, Ndisaba directed Ssempinga to surrender the village stamp to the parish chairperson and former motocross champion, Auther Brick Sr. She noted that the constitution does not permit the misuse of power, saying whoever contravenes its risks censure.
In his defense, Ssempinga accused the residents of being none appreciative of his services. He denied mistreating and locking up the residents, saying those claiming to have been detained only went there to record their details.
Section 14 of the Local Government Act allows the removal of a local council chairperson due to abuse of office, incompetence, misconduct or misbehavior, or physical or mental incapacity that would render the chairperson incapable of performing leadership duties.
Prior to his elevation to the office of the chairperson, Ssempinga served as the village vice chairperson. He, however, took over full responsibility in April this year following the death of the former chairperson, the late Kiiro Ochen.
Source: URN
