Sankwasa approves Mutwa as Masubia chief
Nearly four years after the passing of the late Masubia chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III, the battle to succeed him has officially ended after new urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa approved the designation of Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa as the new chief of the traditional authority.
Mutwa, a former legal drafter in the justice ministry, was formally recognised as the rightful successor this week.
This development was confirmed in a letter dated 7 April, addressed by Sankwasa to the Masubia Traditional Authority's ngambela (senior councillor), Albius Kamwi.
“I am pleased to inform you that, in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), approval has been granted to your application to designate Mr Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa as chief of the Masubia Traditional Authority, to succeed the late Chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III after thorough deliberation."
The minister also requested written notice of the ceremony’s details in advance to allow for his or a representative’s attendance at the inauguration.
Protracted succession
Liswani III and his wife passed away after contracting Covid-19.
Following his death, a protracted dispute emerged regarding his successor.
The urban and rural development ministry later intervened, instituting a committee to investigate the matter. Hearings were held between 5 and 18 December 2022 and again from 15 to 20 May 2023.
The contenders for the chieftaincy included Mutwa, Fredrick Nalisa, former Katima Mulilo police station commander James Kabati Maiba, and Trevor Chiswaniso Maiba, the late chief's son.
In 2023, Mutwa said he intends to lead the Masubia people with transparency and purpose. He criticised the misuse of funds from the community’s fishing quota rights, highlighting that little had been done to improve local livelihoods.
“I am not a chief who will go there to eat but one who will go there to build up the community. I will ensure that this chieftainship is recognised everywhere,” said Mutwa, who retired from public service in 2017.
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Mutwa, a former legal drafter in the justice ministry, was formally recognised as the rightful successor this week.
This development was confirmed in a letter dated 7 April, addressed by Sankwasa to the Masubia Traditional Authority's ngambela (senior councillor), Albius Kamwi.
“I am pleased to inform you that, in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Traditional Authorities Act, 2000 (Act No. 25 of 2000), approval has been granted to your application to designate Mr Gilbert Muhongo Mutwa as chief of the Masubia Traditional Authority, to succeed the late Chief Kisco Maiba Liswani III after thorough deliberation."
The minister also requested written notice of the ceremony’s details in advance to allow for his or a representative’s attendance at the inauguration.
Protracted succession
Liswani III and his wife passed away after contracting Covid-19.
Following his death, a protracted dispute emerged regarding his successor.
The urban and rural development ministry later intervened, instituting a committee to investigate the matter. Hearings were held between 5 and 18 December 2022 and again from 15 to 20 May 2023.
The contenders for the chieftaincy included Mutwa, Fredrick Nalisa, former Katima Mulilo police station commander James Kabati Maiba, and Trevor Chiswaniso Maiba, the late chief's son.
In 2023, Mutwa said he intends to lead the Masubia people with transparency and purpose. He criticised the misuse of funds from the community’s fishing quota rights, highlighting that little had been done to improve local livelihoods.
“I am not a chief who will go there to eat but one who will go there to build up the community. I will ensure that this chieftainship is recognised everywhere,” said Mutwa, who retired from public service in 2017.
[email protected]
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