By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
The Kabale Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued a ruling demanding the auctioning of three vehicles owned by Kabale District Local Government. This development comes after the district failed to fulfil its payment obligations totalling 60.7 million Shillings to a contractor. The vehicles slated for auction belong to the offices of the LCV Chairperson, District Education Officer, and District Chief Finance Officer.
In the fiscal year 2004/2005, Kabale district enlisted the services of Ibumba KB Services to construct footbridges in the sub-counties of Rwamucucu and Kashambya, with the aim of improving local mobility. It is worth noting that these sub-counties were transferred to Rukiga district in July 2017, having previously been part of Kabale.
One of the footbridges, connecting Habweera-Ntaraga market to Kitunga-Kabira and Ngoma in Kashambya sub-county, was awarded at a contract value of 36 million Shillings. The second footbridge, linking Rushebeya to Rwanjura, Burime, Kirundwe, Kihorezo, and Nyakagabagaba in Rwamucucu sub-county, was contracted for 45 million Shillings.
Upon the completion of the projects, the bridges were officially inaugurated by the former LCV Chairperson of Kabale District, Adison Kakuru, and Sam Katehangwa, the Chief Administrative Officer. However, Benon Kabagambe, the Director of Ibumba KB Services, alleges that the district only made payment for the bridge in Rwamucucu Sub County, neglecting the Kashambya bridge.
Kabagambe claims that after his attempts to obtain payment proved futile, he resorted to seeking legal recourse in 2013. In 2021, the Grade One Magistrate’s Court ruled in Kabagambe’s favour, ordering the district to settle the outstanding amount. Despite the court’s ruling, the district remained uncooperative.
Richard Muhanguzi, representing T/AM/S Murambi Auctioneers and High Court Bailiffs, reveals that his company has obtained a court order from the Kabale Chief Magistrate’s court authorizing the impounding of the three vehicles for auction.
According to the leaked court order, the vehicle associated with the LCV Chairperson’s office will be sold via auction for 18.2 million Shillings, the District Education Officer’s vehicle for 21.2 million Shillings, and the Chief Finance Officer’s vehicle for 21.3 million Shillings. Fred Kalyesubula, the Chief Administrative Officer, confirms that the district has received the court order and is currently examining its contents. He adds that they have requested a two-week grace period to conduct a thorough review of the matter.
