Godfrey Kayemba Afaayo, the Mayor Masaka Municipality, has abandoned his office, a week after he took over office. He is operating his mayoral duties from the streets, on grounds that it is not in good shape.
The Masaka Mayoral chambers, located on Edward Avenue was constructed in the 1960s, and the building has never had any major renovations.Water and toilet facilities are in poor state. The council chambers have no power and the chairs used during council sessions were vandalized.
Last week, Kayemba took over and started performing his duties as new Mayor of Masaka Municipality, but he has suddenly abandoned the offices, citing unhealthy and poor conditions. The chambers also house the municipal court, magistrates’ chambers, municip0la council hall and other offices.
Godfrey Kayemba, told Uganda Radio Network reporter at the Golf courts, that his office needs major renovations. He says that the state of his office is embarrasing, adding that he cant stand the site of leaking roofs and peeling walls.
Kayemba has notified, Johnson Baryantuma, the Masaka town Clerk to immediately furnish his office to acceptable standards.
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Kayemba argues that he would rather operate on the Streets, than meet high profile guests in a poorly sanitized building.Kayemba says he wants the old furniture replaced with new decent one to return to the office. He says is the Municipality fails to renovate it, he is personally ready to spend money to renovate it.
But Johnson Baryantuma, the Masaka town Clerk, says he is not aware that the mayor has abandoned his office. He
however refused to speak about whether there are any plans to rehabilitate the offices saying he will first consult.
Recently, a group of people raided the Municipal council chambers and vandalized over 60 chairs used by councilors during sessions.
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