By Swift Reporter
NRM Mbarara District Chairperson Prosper Tuhaise Kururagire has welcomed the removal of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) David Muhwezi, describing the development as a major victory in the fight against corruption and abuse of public resources in the district.
Tuhaise, who has been at the forefront of efforts to push for investigations into alleged irregularities involving public land in Mbarara, said the action demonstrates that accountability is beginning to take root and sends a strong warning to public officials who misuse their offices.
Speaking after reports emerged that Muhwezi had been removed from his position following investigations into controversial land allocations on Kamukuzi Hill, Tuhaise said the move was long overdue.
“This is what we have been fighting for. Public resources belong to the people of Mbarara and should be protected at all costs. No individual should use public office for personal interests at the expense of development,” Tuhaise said.
The NRM district chairman said he had petitioned the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Inspector General of Government and other relevant authorities after receiving complaints about alleged irregularities in the management of district land.
According to Tuhaise, the latest developments are in line with President Yoweri Museveni’s renewed campaign against corruption under the ruling party’s “Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo, Kisanja No Sleep” agenda.
“Our chairman, President Museveni, has made it clear that this term is about fighting corruption and ensuring service delivery. In Mbarara, we are fully committed to that mission. Anyone involved in corrupt tendencies should know that there will be consequences,” he said.
He vowed that no corrupt official would be allowed to frustrate development efforts in the district.
“I want to assure the people of Mbarara that we shall not relent. We are going to work with all government agencies to ensure transparency, accountability and proper management of public assets. Those who steal from the people are stealing from development itself,” Tuhaise added.
Muhwezi’s troubles began after the District Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examined audit queries relating to the 2024/2025 financial year and raised concerns over the allocation of more than 20 acres of public land on Kamukuzi Hill.
The committee questioned how portions of the land were allocated to various institutions and raised concerns about the procedures followed during the transactions.
Among the institutions reported to have received portions of the land are the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), the Office of the Auditor General, Kampala International University, Uganda Management Institute, Makerere University Business School, Megger Technical Services and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
PAC Chairperson Herbert Kamugisha said committee members were particularly concerned about the lease rates attached to some of the allocations, arguing that they may not have reflected the true market value of the land.
During his appearance before the committee, Muhwezi defended the allocations, saying the district acted after receiving requests from interested institutions and sought guidance from the Uganda Land Commission before proceeding with the subdivision process.
However, committee members faulted him for allegedly failing to provide adequate technical guidance to the district council regarding the transactions.
PAC subsequently ordered him to step aside and recommended further investigations into the matter.
For Tuhaise, the developments represent a turning point in Mbarara’s governance.
He said public land must be protected and utilized in a manner that benefits citizens rather than a few individuals.
“We want Mbarara to become a model district in accountability and service delivery. Corruption has delayed many government programs and deprived wananchi of better services. That must change,” he said.
The NRM leader praised anti-corruption agencies for acting on concerns raised by local leaders and residents, saying their intervention has strengthened public confidence in government efforts to combat graft.
A staunch supporter of President Museveni’s leadership, Tuhaise said the government’s anti-corruption campaign remains one of the most important tools for accelerating development and improving the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
“President Museveni has consistently warned that corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to Uganda’s transformation. We support his position fully and will continue exposing any practices that undermine progress in Mbarara and beyond,” he said.
Investigations into the disputed land allocations are expected to continue as authorities seek to establish whether any laws or procedures were violated during the transactions.
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