The Resident District Commissioner for Bushenyi District, Robert Atuhairwe has been asked to step aside from his position amidst an ongoing investigation over his involvement in an inappropriate relationship with a senior three student.
Atuhairwe’s interdiction follows allegations stemming from an incident that occurred on 27th September 2024 at Bweranyangi Girls Senior Secondary School, which left the school administration and fellow students dumbfounded.
Word on ground is that on the fateful day, the girl ( names withheld) celebrated her birthday, and as the day went by, she started bragging to her fellow students about how the RDC is a boyfriend and that he will be delivering a birthday cake to celebrate her new age.
“They argued with her and went to the school phone booth and romantically called him with the students all around,” a student who preferred anonymity explained of the incident.
“The RDC responded likewise, and he was at the school shortly with his guards and the cake,” the student added.
In the aftermath of ululations and celebrations, a swarm of students hugged him [the RDC] shouting Mura Mura which caused commotion in the school. As they celebrated, the Bishop who is also chair of the school Board of Directors noticed the commotion and intervened.
“The Bushenyi parents raised the concern to the state house that it should not have been the representative of the president in the district to defile their children and demanded action,” the witness added.
Following the preliminary investigations into the incident, the Office of the President swung into action and asked RDC Atuhaire to step aside as he is being investigated after his defence submission filed on 10th October 2024 left significant gaps and inconsistencies, raising doubts about his integrity.
“As a result, the Office of the President has directed that Atuhairwe step aside from his duties as RDC while an investigation and disciplinary procedures are conducted, with a conclusion expected within six months,” Hajj Yunus Kakande, the Secretary in the Office of the President, wrote in a letter addressed to Atuhairwe on October 15, 2024.
“During this period, Atuhairwe’s office will be handed over to the Deputy RDC, Mr Kasigazi William Donanto, and his monthly facilitation allowance will be suspended effective 1st November 2024,” the letter, also copied to Minister Milly Babalanda (Presidency), Head of Public Service and Head RDC Secretariat adds.
“Your explanation which shall be considered as your written defence shall be used during the proceedings against you, by the Rewards and Sanctions Committee of the Office of the President, if a prima facie case is proved. This should reach this Office within 10 days from the date of this letter. Therefore, at an appropriate time, you will be summoned to appear physically and defend yourself,” the letter reads further.
In any case, the Presidency office asserts that “if overwhelming evidence is found against him, he may face further sanctions, including interdiction.”
