Various activities of Masaka municipality have grounded to a halt following the freezing of the municipal and division accounts. Recently, Johnson Baryantuma, town clerk Masaka Municipal council blocked the accounts of Nyendo- Ssenyange and Katwe-Butego divisions and Masaka Municipal council over unclear reasons.
As a result, this has affected the delivery of services to residents. Sadam Tamale, Finance Secretary Katwe- Butego division and Daniel Mulondo, Masaka Municipal council work secretary says that their were freezed in July. Tamale accuses the town clerk of freezing their accounts without approval from the council.
He says Baryantuma stopped division town Clerk Joel Damba from carrying out any financial transactions on the division account. Tamale says that the decision has affected service delivery and payment of the councilors allowances. Tamale says that as result, councilors have resolved to boycott council sittings until their paid their allowances.
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Dam Mulondo, the Masaka Municipal Secretary for Works says the freezing of accounts mean several road projects which were supposed to be implemented before the end of the year have stalled. He identifies some of the affected roads as Soweto-Line Road and Soweto-Bwala road.
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Godfrey Kayemba, the Masaka Mayor says he has also suspended his supervisory role because of lack of funds.
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Johnson Baryantuma, Masaka Town Clerk has refused to explain why he decided to freeze the accounts. He told URN at Ranana pharmacy in Masaka town on Monday that if he decided to freeze municipal accounts, it is none of the media business.
On Wednesday this week, Masaka Municipal council is expected to convene an extra ordinary council sitting to discuss the state of affairs in the Municipality.
