The Katima Mulilo Town Council has been dissolved by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, following a government gazette notice issued on 15 August. The directive, signed by minister James Sankwasa under section 92 (2) of the Local Authorities Act of 1992, immediately recalled all seven sitting councillors.
Those removed include mayor Lister Ntemwa (Swapo), deputy mayor Lascan Sikosi (PDM), management committee chairperson Namangolwa Mapenzi (Swapo), committee members Lister Shamalaza (Swapo) and Christina Simanga (Swapo), as well as councillors Simasiku Mukendwa (NDP) and Charles Musiyalike (IPC).
Ntemwa has condemned the dismissal, describing it as an “abuse of power” motivated by political and tribal agendas. He accused Sankwasa of ignoring due process and attempting to weaken Swapo’s influence in Katima Urban.
Reactions from other parties have been divided. NDP president Martin Lukato endorsed the minister’s decision but demanded that his party’s councillor, Mukendwa, be reinstated, arguing he was not linked to any misconduct. IPC regional coordinator Elvis Lizazi shared similar concerns, insisting Musiyalike should not face consequences for actions taken under a Swapo-led council.
The decision comes after Sankwasa issued a July ultimatum, instructing the council to address alleged governance and management irregularities, including controversies surrounding land and vehicle transactions.
It’s about time something gets done. The roads are in a poor state, continuous water shortages due to mechanical failures, sewage in the streets, rubbish spilled up all over town, so this move is justified.