Political tensions are simmering in Jinja District, with some commentators drawing parallels to the African proverb, “Two bulls cannot exist in the same kraal without fighting and hurting each other.”
The district is increasingly becoming a political battleground, with contenders like Moses Batwala and Abdallah Suta vying for dominance, leaving many wondering who’ll emerge victorious.
A heated controversy is brewing in Jinja as Busowoko Falls Beach, a popular tourist attraction, has resumed operations despite being closed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) following a fatal accident involving a senior UNOC engineer.
The UNOC engineer who died at Busowoko Falls was Gershom Rwakasanga, a 53-year-old Manager for Terminals Development & Operations at the Jinja Storage Terminal.
He reportedly drowned on October 11, 2025, while spending time with his daughter at the scenic waterfall in Jinja.
Eng. Rwakasanga was described as a dedicated and valued member of UNOC, and his death is considered a significant loss to the organization and Uganda’s energy sector
The beach’s proprietor, Abdallah Suta, a contender for the LC5 chairperson position, accuses incumbent Moses Batwala of orchestrating the closure to undermine his campaigns.
Many people slammed the shutdown of Busowoko Falls, arguing that if the criteria was that places where deaths occurred should be shut, then most roads in Uganda (given the high accident rates) would have to be closed.
Critics saw the move as inconsistent and unfair to local tourism businesses and employment opportunity to the youth.
Busowoko Falls Beach Row Deepens: Environment Chief Slams ‘Illegal’ Reopening.
Jinja District Environment Officer Moses Maganda has distanced himself from the reported resumption of activities at Busowoko Falls Beach, insisting that the facility should remain closed until NEMA issues formal clearance.
“The place was shut in writing, so there’s no way it can be reopened verbally,” he said, hinting at possible irregularities.
Sources suggest the Jinja District Security Committee quietly allowed proprietor Abdallah Suta to reopen the beach, with police reportedly visiting the site.
This has fueled speculation that the committee is backing Suta’s bid for the LC5 chairperson position, with some members allegedly unhappy with incumbent Moses Batwala’s confrontational approach.
The Committee’s stance is seen as a blow to Batwala, who has reportedly boycotted the District Security meetings in the past five years.
Suta, who in the past has been a political ally and campaign manager for Moses Batwala now alleges that Batwala, alongside Chief Administrative Officer Lillian Nakamate and Jinja District Environment Officer Moses Maganda, is using his position to frustrate his financial interests and hinder his chances of winning the election.
However, Batwala denies these claims, stating that the beach’s reopening is illegal and demanding that the CAO and Environment Chief take action.
The situation has become increasingly tense, with reports indicating that members of the Jinja District Security Committee, led by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), are uncomfortable with Batwala’s confrontational approach.
Suta Claims Compliance, NEMA Silence ‘Approval’ in Busowoko Falls Beach Row.
Abdallah Suta claims to have submitted a report to NEMA outlining new security and safety protocols, asserting compliance with the authority’s directive. “I can’t improve on the requirements while sitting under the tree, but to be at the site,” he said, implying that practical implementation is key.
Suta interprets NEMA’s silence as tacit approval, stating, “By keeping quiet, it means NEMA has okayed.” He appears confident that his efforts will sway the outcome, as he pushes to reopen the popular tourist attraction. The move is seen as a boost to his LC5 chairperson campaign, with supporters citing his proactive approach to addressing concerns.
With less than 30 days to the polls, the power struggle between Batwala and Suta is reaching a boiling point.
The incident has raised questions about the use of power and influence in Jinja, with many wondering if personal interests will take precedence over the welfare of the community.
As the district gears up for the elections, residents are left to ponder whether two strong leaders can coexist in the same political space.
Abdallah Suta is accusing the Chief Administrative Officer Lillian Nakamate of being too close to incumbent Moses Batwala. Suta claims Nakamate is acting as Batwala’s “walking stick,” implying she’s helping him undermine his opponents.
However, Batwala has defended his relationship with Nakamate, saying it’s necessary for effective governance.
“As the political head, I must work closely with the CAO, who is the technical chief, accounting officer, and CEO, I cannot distance myself from her; we need to work together to implement government programs…”
The spat highlights the challenges of separating personal and professional relationships in local politics.
While Batwala sees his closeness to Nakamate as essential, Suta views it as favoritism. With tensions running high, Jinja residents are watching to see how this plays out.
Undercurrents of Discontent: Civil Servants Back Suta, Fueling Jinja Politics Power Shift Rumors.
Beneath the surface, a subtle shift is underway in Jinja’s politics. Several civil servants, reportedly unhappy with Moses Batwala’s abrasive style, are discreetly backing Abdallah Suta’s campaign.
These officials, who prefer to remain anonymous, see Suta as a more polished politician who can collaborate effectively.
Sources indicate that some civil servants are quietly mobilizing funds to support Suta, hoping he will be more receptive to their concerns. Batwala’s perceived dismissiveness has apparently created unease among some officials, who value a more collaborative approach.
As the election nears, Jinja’s political landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with hidden alliances and undercurrents shaping the outcome.
Jinja Politics Turns Ugly: Batwala’s Tactics Backfire, Suta Gains Traction.
The latest controversy surrounds allegations that he hired youth to attack the NRM flagbearer for Jinja District Woman MP, Peace Tibyaze, reportedly fueling them with waragi or enguli.
This has led to widespread outrage, with residents vowing to support Abdallah Suta instead.
Many are questioning Batwala’s judgment, particularly given his senior role in the NRM party. “…Why would he support an independent candidate against our party’s flagbearer?” former LC3 Buwenge Town Council Samuel Mwesigwa asked.
The former Jinja District Council Speaker, Michael Nyende Musana, has also thrown his weight behind Peace Tibyaze and Abdallah Suta, stating they are working tirelessly to bring better leadership to Jinja District.
Musana criticized current leadership, saying Jinja has become a “laughing stock” due to Batwala’s focus on drama and comedy rather than engaging stakeholders to drive progress.
The incident has also highlighted Batwala’s confrontational style, earning him few friends among civil servants. Jinja District Health Officer Dr. Peter Dyogo Ssentamu is reportedly among those unimpressed, having previously considered taking Batwala to court over alleged defamation.
As Batwala’s popularity plumps, Suta’s campaign is gaining momentum. Residents are increasingly seeing him as a viable alternative, and civil servants are warming up to his more collaborative approach.
