A youth activist, Gracious Ahimbisibwe Mugabi has issued a notice of intention to sue Entebbe Municipal Officials over allegations of tampering with Municipal Development Forum (MDF)
He claims his name was allegedly removed from the list by some top officials in the recently concluded MDF male youth representatives over unclear grounds.
Mugabi’s legal representatives, Mudawa and Kyagula Advocates, have sent a notice addressed to the Town Clerck of Entebbe, demanding declaration of their client as a winner in seven days and desist from conducting another election.
The July 26 letter states that on June, 18, 2024, the Town Clerck conducted greater Kampala Metropolitan Development Forum (GKMDF) elections aimed at getting sector representatives in different categories in Entebbe.
“In a turn of events you called him (client) to present his national identity card for your office to carry out a background check without subjecting the other members in different categories to the same which is illegal and discriminatory because it was only conducted on him and inquired about the party, he falls which is contrary to constitution of Uganda," the letter says.
Nile Post has learnt of the messages shared across different Entebbe WhatsApp groups by the Community Development Officer (CDO) Sengozi Dawood Semanda who supervised the recent elections.
Ssemanda called on youths to attend another election in order to vote for a new male youth leader to replace Mugabi who recently won the position in elections held at the Municipal council hall.
“It’s a reminder, voting for the MDF male youth representative is for tomorrow at the Municipal council offices at 9am. Sorry for the change of venue. Good night to you all and let’s meet tomorrow ln sha Allah. Youth association/ group leaders please keep time and don’t forget to carry the requirements” Sengozi’s messages on WhatsApp sent on Thursday evening read.
Mugabi said that he was voted by majority in broad daylight in an election which was supervised by the same CDO at the Municipal headquarters.
“Out of the blue, orders came that I must be removed, when it failed, they are now calling an election on a position which already has a representative. It sounds unbelievable but so true. The same person who was paid shs3 million (CDO) to witch-hunt me told me on a phone call that he is on orders. Why is this being done on a specific individual without nullifying the entire process which everyone went through,” Mugabi said.
“The Town Clerk Emmanuel Mugisha is aware of everything but he’s more less concerned about the entire process. He’s totally out of touch with reality at the municipal council. MDF is now under direct influence and supervision of the political arm. They believe an elected person can be removed and replaced by a puppet anytime they want”.
MDF election in Entebbe has since seen conflicts despite the incumbent representatives’ stay in office for over two terms.
MDFs are platforms established at the Municipal level under the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development for all stakeholders in the urban sector to meet regularly to exchange views, debate priorities and agree on common actions on matters pertaining to the urban sector.