The ruling National Resistance Movement has reasserted its political foothold in Jinja following the swearing-in of a new city leadership on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking a significant shift in the city’s governance dynamics.
The ceremony, presided over by Jinja Chief Magistrate Phiona Angura, saw the inauguration of City Mayor Abdulhafidh Nagaya alongside 13 councillors. Notably absent was Jinja Southern Division Councillor Julius Kayiira Nabbambula, who remains incarcerated at Kirinya Prisons.
Proceedings began with the election of the City Speaker, where NRM’s Juma Ssozi was elected unopposed.
In a closely contested race for Deputy Speaker, NRM’s Carol Namikenze secured victory with nine votes against National Unity Platform candidate Lovisa Nakirya, who garnered five votes.
Mayor Nagaya later unveiled his proposed executive committee, which featured a predominantly female line-up.
Mariam Nalumansi was named Deputy Mayor, while NUP’s Nakato Wakabi was proposed as Secretary for Social Services. Other nominees included NRM’s Shakira Kitimbo for Secretary for Works and Annet Tusubira for Secretary for Finance.
However, the proposed executive committee was not immediately approved after objections raised by Jinja Northern Division Councillor Ivan Kameze and Workers’ Councillor Joshua Bagoole. The matter was deferred to the next council sitting, signaling early tensions within the new council leadership.
The election of NRM leaders to key positions was welcomed by party supporters, who described it as a strategic reclaiming of Jinja City from opposition dominance.
The development comes despite NUP’s strong performance in the 2026 general elections, where the party secured all parliamentary seats in the city, including Paul Mwiru for Jinja South East, Dr Timothy Batuwa for Jinja South West, Sarah Lwansasula as Woman MP, and Hussein Muyonjo, also known as Swengere, for Jinja Northern Division.
NUP also won mayoral positions in both city divisions.
Mayor Nagaya replaces outgoing NUP mayor Peter Kasolo Okocha, while Speaker Juma Ssozi succeeds Forum for Democratic Change’s Benard Mbayo, highlighting the changing political dynamics within the city leadership.
In his maiden speech, Mayor Nagaya pledged to promote transparency and address key urban challenges, including fraudulent land transactions, poor waste management, and deteriorating road infrastructure.
“Jinja is the second city after Kampala. We need good roads, proper garbage disposal, and must decisively address fraudulent land dealings,” Nagaya said.
He also revealed plans to work with the central government to upgrade major roads through a pre-financing arrangement involving the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The day’s activities concluded with celebrations at Busoga Square attended by political leaders, religious leaders, and members of the public.
