Drama in Namisindwa as Former LC3 Chairperson Refuses to Hand Over Government Property

Drama unfolded in Bumbo Sub County in Namisindwa District after former LC3 Chairperson Anthony Busolo allegedly refused to officially hand over office and government property following the end of his term.

The incident emerged as the swearing-in of newly elected LC3 chairpersons across Uganda concluded on Friday, May 29, 2026, in line with the Electoral Commission roadmap.

According to Ministry of Local Government guidelines, outgoing LC3 chairpersons are required to hand over official instruments of power and government property to the Sub County Chief before newly elected leaders assume office.

However, local authorities in Bumbo Sub County accused Busolo of failing to hand over key office items, including a government motorcycle, the Constitution, the Local Government Act, and official files.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bumbo Sub County LC3 Chairperson, Fred Sally, the Sub County Chief revealed that the former LC3 chairperson only returned the official stamp during last month’s budget approval meeting for the 2026/27 financial year.

He added that Busolo had allegedly ignored several letters requesting him to formally hand over office and return the remaining government property.

“We have written several letters asking him to return the motorcycle and other government items, but he has not responded,” the Sub County Chief said.

Newly sworn-in LC3 Chairperson Fred Sally described the situation as unfortunate, saying the missing office materials could affect service delivery in the sub county.

“It is difficult to execute my duties without the Constitution, the Local Government Act, and the motorcycle,” Sally said.

He appealed to district authorities to intervene and ensure that all government property is recovered so that normal administrative work can continue.

Namisindwa Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Joseph Lomongin condemned the incident and emphasised that the motorcycle and other items remain government property.

“The motorcycle belongs to the government, and we shall follow up the matter to ensure it is recovered,” Lomongin said.

He reassured the newly elected chairperson that district authorities would take necessary action to resolve the matter.

However, when contacted by phone, Busolo denied refusing to hand over the motorcycle. He explained that the motorcycle currently has mechanical problems and is parked at Bumbo Town Council awaiting repairs.

“I have not refused to hand over the motorcycle. It has mechanical issues and is parked at Bumbo Town Council. I will hand it over once it is fixed,” Busolo said.

Meanwhile, swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected LC3 chairpersons also took place in Bukokho, Bumbo Town Council, Bukiabi, and Lwakhakha Town Council.

During the events, local leaders pledged to improve service delivery and address challenges affecting residents in their respective areas.

Bukokho LC3 Chairperson John Wekasa called on district leaders to create additional sub counties, including Bunamulingi, Soono, and Kabole, arguing that Bukokho’s large population of over 20,000 residents has made service delivery difficult.

Bumbo Town Council LC3 Chairperson Joseph Kamuli pledged to improve street lighting to boost security and support night-time business operations.

In Bukiabi Sub County, LC3 Chairperson Simon Wanyonyi Chama promised to strengthen efforts against cross-border cattle theft due to the area’s proximity to the Kenya border.

Namisindwa District LCV Chairperson Emma Bwayo urged all newly sworn-in leaders to focus on delivering services and fulfilling the promises they made during the election campaigns.

“You promised development during campaigns. Now it is time to work hard and deliver for the people of Namisindwa,” Bwayo said.