Chaos Erupts at Kabale Council Over Mining Company Allowances

What the report says

Kabale District councillors on Monday held a tense extraordinary meeting at the district Rukiiko Hall that was meant to examine memoranda of understanding for three mining firms: Peat Energy Solutions Company, Yogi Steels Company Limited and Shivaji Limited/Magasan Industries Uganda Limited. According to Nile Post, the session was repeatedly disrupted as councillors argued over sitting allowances linked to the companies’ contributions and also raised disputes about dress code and council standards.

The public disagreement centered on demands for disclosure of how much each company had contributed and whether councillors should receive more than the usual allowance for an extraordinary sitting. District Speaker Flavia Nyinakinza Kanagizi رفضed the push to make allowances the main issue, while Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe later confirmed that the companies had contributed to the meeting costs. District Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe also urged councillors to focus on the potential public benefits of mining, rather than personal payments.

Despite the commotion, council proceeded with the review of the mining proposals. It approved the agreement with Peat Energy Solutions, allowing work to begin in Katuna, Kitumba, Buhara and Kamuganguzi. The council turned down the submissions from Yogi Steels and Shivaji Minerals because the documents did not meet district requirements, and ordered both companies to revise and resubmit them. The report said district officials warned the two firms could face stoppages if they continue operating without proper approval.