Godwin Muhumuza Oulanya has been re-elected as the Speaker of Ibanda District following a vote by the newly sworn-in district councillors during the first council sitting held on Wednesday at the district headquarters.
The swearing-in ceremony for the incoming councillors was presided over by the Ibanda Chief Magistrate before the district council convened to elect its new Speaker. The exercise marked the official commencement of the new council term.
Two candidates were nominated for the speakership race: Godwin Muhumuza Oulanya, who represents Bufunda Division, and Bright Mukundane, the councillor representing Kikyenkye Sub-county.
Following the vote, Muhumuza emerged victorious with 25 votes against Mukundane’s 10 votes.
Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Muhumuza thanked the councillors for entrusting him with another term of leadership and pledged to strengthen the district council.
“I want to thank all the councillors for the confidence they have shown in me. I promise to serve with fairness and ensure that the council works together for the development of our district,” Muhumuza said.
He pledged to prioritize the welfare of councillors, noting that their role in monitoring government programs and representing communities is vital to effective service delivery in the district.
“Councillors play a very important role in leadership and service delivery. Their welfare should be improved so that they can effectively serve the people who elected them,” he added.
Muhumuza also called for unity and cooperation among leaders, urging councillors to avoid unnecessary conflicts that could undermine the smooth running of council business and affect development programs in the district.
“We should put aside personal differences and work together as one team. Conflicts among leaders only slow down service delivery and affect the people we are meant to serve,” he said.
