Masindi Vice Chairperson sacked over missing S.6 papers

Masindi District leadership has been thrown into early-term controversy after the removal of its vice chairperson, following revelations he did not meet the minimum academic qualifications required by law.

The development has triggered debate among residents, political leaders, and civil servants, raising fresh questions about the strength of vetting procedures in local government appointments.

Barely three weeks after taking office, the new District Executive Committee led by Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi was forced into a sudden reshuffle that many observers describe as both embarrassing and revealing.

The changes were announced during an extraordinary council meeting on June 11, 2026, at Masindi District headquarters.

During the meeting, Wobusobozi confirmed that Vice Chairperson Cleophas Bigirwa had been removed after it was discovered he lacked the minimum academic qualification required for the office. Under Uganda’s LocalGovernments Act, a district vice chairperson must possess at least a Senior Six certificate or its equivalent.

“We realized that the former Vice Chairperson did not possess the minimum qualification of a Senior Six certificate as required by law,” Wobusobozi told the council.

He explained that the issue came to light during a routine verification exercise when executive members were asked to submit their academic documents for payrollprocessing and official verification.

“This was discovered during verification. His appointment was an oversight, and he could not continue in that office,” Wobusobozi added.

Following the removal, Bright Mugume, the directly elected councilor for Kimengo Sub-county, was appointed as the new District Vice Chairperson and Leader of Government Business. Mugume had initially served as secretary for Production and Technical Services before his elevation.

In the same reshuffle, Nelda Asaba, councillor for Bwijanga Sub-county and Bulima Town Council, was moved from secretary for Finance to secretary for Production. Simon Byaruhanga, councillor for Pakanyi Sub-county, was appointed secretary for Finance and Administration, while William Mwambu, the councillor representing persons with disabilities, retained his position as secretary for Social Services.

The extraordinary council meeting was not without tension. District Speaker Patrick Tibigambwa questioned how such an oversight could occur in the first place and demanded clarity on whether proper vetting procedures had been followed before Bigirwa’s appointment.

Wobusobozi defended the process, saying both he and the Chief Administrative Officer had reviewed available documents at the time of appointment. Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Kaija Ruhweza also confirmed to the council that the academic papers presented did not meet the required standard of equivalence to Senior Six.

However, the removed Vice Chairperson, Cleophas Bigirwa, has disputed the decision, insisting that he possesses valid academic qualifications.

“I was appointed and sworn in, and no one raised a red flag. They should have followed the right procedure before removing me,” he said.

Bigirwa said he holds an equivalent Senior Four certificate and a certificate in public administration, and argued that the National Council for Higher Education should have been involved in verifying his documents.

“I am seeking legal guidance because this decision has damaged my reputation,” he added. He also expressed frustration that he was removed entirely instead of being reassigned to another docket within the executive.

The incident has raised broader concerns about how leaders are screened before assuming public office. Masindi resident Enock Mugisha said the verification process should be completed before appointments are announced.

“When these issues are discovered after an appointment, it embarrasses both the institution and the individual,” Mugisha said. “The law is clear. Local government leaders must meet minimum qualifications because they handle public resources and policy decisions.”

Another resident, Musa Mugenyi, said the incident reflects weaknesses in the recruitment and screening system.

“This shows that proper checks were not done before announcing leaders. It is worrying,” he said.

The reshuffle also comes amid growing concerns from Muslim leaders in Masindi District about representation in top leadership positions. Khalifan Balikagira, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council in Masindi, said the current executive does not reflect religious balance.

“We have been completely excluded from key leadership positions in the district,” he said.

During the same council sitting, attention also turned to the District Service Commission, which had been non-functional for six months. The council approved Adolf Kato, a former Deputy District Education Officer, as Chairperson of the DSC. Sharif Kahwa, a retired head teacher, was also appointed as a member representing urban entities.

Councillor Babyesiza Wahid raised concerns about lack of professional diversity among the new members, saying most come from education backgrounds.

“We need wider professional representation in future appointments,” he said.

Despite the controversy, the council proceeded to approve the new appointments, signaling a desire to move forward and stabilize district operations.

For Chairperson Wobusobozi, the reshuffle represents an attempt to correct an administrative error and restore compliance with the law. But for many observers, the incident remains an early test for the new leadership in Masindi District.

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