Residents of Hoima are threatening to block the swearing in of George Bagonza as district LC V chairman, until he pronounces himself over the fate of Boma grounds. Recently, the Hoima Outgoing District Council allocated Boma Grounds to Hoima Referral Hospital for expansion.
The decision did not go down well residents, who accused Baguma of incompetence, disrespectful to voters and lack of transparency in his work. Residents also accuse Bagonza of conniving with his executive to convince councilors to approve the land transaction which they had earlier rejected.
Now, residents are threatening to block the swearing in of Bagonza and members of his executives tomorrow. The residents issued the threats while participating in a public debate organized by Panos East Africa to advocate for democracy and good governance that was held at Boma grounds yesterday.
Deo Kakiza Kyaboga, a resident of Hoima town says that Bagonza should be held accountable for the mess in the district since he is the political head. Kyaboga says that Bagonza should have used his powers to stop such a resolution from being passed or sought public opinion on the matter.
Ali Babi, another resident demands that Bagonza gives accountability to the electorate before he is sworn for another term of office. Babi has threatened to eat a rat in the council chambers during the swearing in ceremony of Bagonza to express his dissatisfaction with the council.
Francis Atugonza the outgoing Hoima municipal mayor says that he will seek an interim court order blocking the district council resolution. But George Bagonza says that it is impossible to block his swearing in ceremony saying that, that would amount to overthrowing a local government.
Bagonza his rivals of politicizing the land giveaway, saying that, it was done in the best interest of the community. He said this was not an individual resolution but rather a council resolution and no one should be singled out.
Augustine Kasangaki, Hoima District Police Commander has vowed to block any protests. Kasangaki advises residents to resolve their concerns amicably with the concerned authorities. Hoima referral Hospital wants Boma grounds for the construction staff houses, nursing school and some wards.
