A personal clash between local leaders in Kayunga District has escalated into a legal battle after the Kayunga District LC 5 Chairman, Mr. Andrew Muwonge, filed a defamation lawsuit against a prominent local whistleblower who publicly accused him of corruption before Minister for Local Government, Mr Balaam Barugahare.
The dispute stems from a heated anti-corruption meeting convened last month at the Ntenjeru District headquarters by Minister Barugahare during his tour of the district. During the gathering, Mr. Sam Mukasa-a member of the Kayunga Elders’ Forum, former Kayunga Town Council councillor, and defeated candidate in the previous local council elections-openly accused Mr. Muwonge of gross misconduct, job selling, land grabbing, and conflict of interest.
Addressing Minister Barugahare directly, Mr. Mukasa pointed at Mr. Muwonge and alleged that the district chief had illegally acquired prime property belonging to Kayunga Police Station opposite Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, sold district jobs for cash, and illegally awarded lucrative public construction contracts to JIIRA Construction Co. Ltd, a private firm connected to his family.
Mr. Muwonge vehemently denied all allegations during the meeting, dismissing them as politically motivated smears orchestrated by opponents still bitter over his election victory. However, following the public confrontation, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaning district chairman, who is currently serving his second term in office, elected to pursue civil remedies to clear his name.
According to summons issued by the Kayunga Chief Magistrates Court on October 6, Mr. Mukasa has been formally ordered to file his defense against the defamation suit. Mr. Muwonge argued that the unverified allegations made before the minister and local constituents severely damaged his personal reputation and standing as an elected public official.
Addressing reporters at his office on Wednesday, October 28, Mr. Muwonge urged his accuser to reserve his arguments for the courtroom rather than staging media appearances. He maintained that he had done nothing illegal and asserted that no law prevents companies associated with his family from bidding for public contracts provided the procurement process is followed and quality standards are met. He further expressed confidence that the court would clear him of wrongdoing and order his accusers to pay the legal costs incurred.
In response, Mr. Mukasa convened a separate press conference in Kayunga Town on Wednesday, October 28, where he remained defiant, insisting the lawsuit would not deter his campaign against district corruption. Mr. Mukasa claimed he possesses documented evidence showing that Mr. Muwonge’s wife is a signatory to the bank accounts of JIIRA Construction Co. Ltd. He added that his legal team is preparing a petition to the Constitutional Court to determine whether an official facing multiple graft investigations remains legally fit to hold the district’s top executive office.
The ongoing feud comes amid heightened scrutiny of Kayunga District administration. During Minister Barugahare’s recent visit, several district departmental heads were interdicted following separate investigations into alleged abuse of office and financial malpractices, while both the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit continue to probe various administrative departments within the district.