By Eye Media Reporter | Buwenge, Jinja District
Jinja District politics reached a boiling point on Saturday, June 28, 2025, when District Chairman Moses Batwala was fiercely confronted by two councillors during a live radio broadcast over alleged bribery and abuse of office.
The confrontation unfolded on NBS FM’s Endabirwamu show (89.4FM), hosted by the ever-vocal Sir Grace Mwesigwa, during a special edition aired live from the Buwenge Town Council Administration Block. The program, known for holding leaders to account, turned dramatic as Councilor AbdulRahman Mujooma (District Youth Representative) and Councilor Annet Kubonaku took the chairman to task.
Councilor Kubonaku dropped a bombshell, accusing Batwala of soliciting bribes in exchange for government jobs, claiming several locals have been victims of the vice under his leadership.
“Even Mulushid from Butagaya was a victim,” Kubonaku alleged, “He was asked to pay money for a job and was later sidelined.”
Councilor Mujooma echoed the claims, demanding transparency and answers from the district boss.
But an unfazed Batwala fired back, daring the councillors to bring the evidence forward.
“Call Mulushid and let him say how much I took from him,” Batwala responded. “Even if it’s ten million shillings, I will pay it now. I move with money — and I have it here.”
The live crowd gasped as the chairman thumped his chest in defiance, declaring his innocence.
The fiery exchange exposed deep cracks in Jinja’s political leadership, which many residents say has stalled service delivery and created a climate of mistrust.
Counsel Samuel Akalya, another panellist on the show, weighed in, citing corruption and poor parliamentary representation as major setbacks to the district’s development.
“We need leaders who represent the people, not those who weaponize positions to extort,” he said bluntly.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Michael Kibwika, while steering clear of the controversy, used the platform to highlight government progress.
“Under Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, we are promoting financial inclusion and economic transformation,” Kibwika said, urging leaders to shift focus from personal fights to national development.
Yet, the controversy surrounding Batwala continues to swirl. The chairman has previously clashed publicly with area MPs, notably Hon. Brandon Kintu (MP Kagoma North) and Hon. Moses Walyomu (MP Kagoma County South), accusing them of sabotage and political betrayal.
As the political climate in Jinja remains tense, residents are growing increasingly impatient. The message from the ground is clear: the people want accountability, unity, and clean leadership.
