END OF ERROR! Mbarara City Town Clerk–CFO War Explodes as Council Orders Finance Boss to Step Aside
By Amos Tayebwa, Mbarara
The long-simmering feud between Mbarara City Town Clerk Justine Barekye and City Chief Finance Officer (CFO) David Barekye Tibekinga has burst into a full-blown administrative crisis, culminating in a dramatic council decision ordering the CFO to step aside with immediate effect.
The Tuesday 18 November 2025 council session turned stormy as leaders tabled a damning petition—signed by 24 heads of departments and section heads—accusing the CFO of misconduct, abuse of office, insubordination, harassment of fellow workers, and frustrating service delivery.
Staff Petition: A Catalogue of Allegations
According to the petition presented to the Mayor’s office, staff accuse Mbarekye of:
Disrespecting and belittling fellow departments, often claiming some staff are uneducated and unfit for their positions.
Creating a toxic working environment, crippling teamwork and lowering morale across the institution.
Threatening violence and engaging in physical altercations, including allegedly beating an Inventory Officer using a book and promising to “beat up” various superiors and juniors.
Sabotaging revenue collection, insisting that he alone should handle key revenue activities.
Delaying payments—for staff facilitation, contractors, and suppliers—without justification, exposing the city to financial risks.
Leaking confidential documents and peddling misinformation to outside entities.
Undermining superiors, including abusing both the current and former Town Clerks.
Signatories of the petition included senior city officials such as Allan Karakure (Commercial Officer), Dr. Moses Amanyire (Production), Eng. Hilary Mugisha (Principal Engineer), Sam Rwakinanga (Principal Revenue Officer), Patrick Kanamugira (City Economist), David Nuwagaba (Natural Resources Head), and statistician Didas Namara, among others.
Some petitioners went as far as advising that the CFO undergo a mental health evaluation, citing persistent erratic behaviour.
A Deep-Rooted Power War
Sources inside City Hall paint the saga as part of a long-running supremacy battle between the Town Clerk and the CFO—a battle that allegedly began the moment Justine Barekye assumed office.
Last month, the Town Clerk reportedly attempted to interdict the CFO, but the Solicitor General intervened and halted the process, further deepening the standoff. The two have not seen eye-to-eye ever since.
Executive Committee: “Enough is Enough”
During the tense council session, Deputy Mayor Prisca Murongo catalogued a series of complaints that the Executive Committee had received regarding the CFO’s conduct.
She revealed that:
The CFO ignored multiple letters regarding pending payments for contractors.
A letter dated 29 May 2024 instructed him to clear certificates for completed contracts—but he allegedly refused to act.
His refusal reportedly triggered relentless clashes with former Town Clerk Assy Abireebe, culminating in Abireebe’s transfer to Mbale City.
A City Public Accounts Committee audit unearthed UGX 6 million missing, which the CFO was asked to refund—but he allegedly declined.
Another letter from 5 January 2024 demanded immediate payment of service providers, but the CFO remained silent.
But what tipped the scales, Murongo said, was his refusal to pay CICO Construction Company after completion of major roadworks in Mbarara City.
“CICO has now demanded UGX 400 million in interest because of delayed payment. Why should the city be dragged to court and risk losing huge sums because of one officer who refuses to cooperate?” Murongo asked.
Council Verdict: Step Aside Immediately
After heated deliberations, Speaker Bony Tashobya led councilors in a unanimous vote ordering CFO Mbarekye to vacate office pending investigations.
The Speaker also directed the Town Clerk’s office to constitute an investigation committee to probe all allegations.
CFO Fires Back: “My Reputation is Being Destroyed”
Speaking to journalists shortly after the council resolution, a defiant Mbarekye said the process was malicious and intended to smear his name.
“What they are doing spoils my reputation,” he said. “Yes, they can investigate, but I have facts. Unless they forge like they have forged before, there is nothing they can prove before a competent authority.”
He dismissed several allegations, questioning their credibility.
“For example, someone claims I abused the former Town Clerk. How do you substantiate that? Are they aggrieved on his behalf? Where is his statement?” he asked.
In a shocking twist, he added:
“I now fear to go to the Town Clerk’s office because she may even claim rape.”
The explosive statement has further heightened tensions within Mbarara City’s already polarized administration.
What Next?
With investigations now set to begin, City Hall remains on edge. Staff hope the temporary removal of the CFO will restore calm, while analysts note that the outcome of this probe could reshape the politics and management of Mbarara City for years.
For now, the city’s top administrative offices remain in turmoil—a crisis fueled by egos, power struggles, and alleged misconduct.
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