Leaders elected to serve in Masaka District have officially taken the oath of office, with residents expressing hope for improved service delivery, accountability and unity among political leaders.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at Kyannamukaka Town Council headquarters, marked the beginning of a new political term for district leaders led by District Chairperson John Kakande. The event attracted political leaders, councillors, party officials and residents from different parts of the district.
The ceremony was presided over by Masaka Chief Magistrate Albert Asiimwe, who administered the oaths of office to the newly elected leaders.
Shortly after taking oath, councillors proceeded to elect the district Speaker in a tense contest that exposed growing political competition within the council. Immaculate Namaganda of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) defeated fellow party member Godfrey Ssebwanna to become the new Speaker of the district council.
Fred Bulungu of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) was elected Deputy Speaker unopposed, a move some leaders described as a sign of cooperation across political divides.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Deputy Chairperson of the NRM in Buganda, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who attended as chief guest, challenged the new leaders to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for public office.
“Leadership is about serving people and protecting the dignity of the offices entrusted to you. Avoid corruption, selfishness and actions that undermine public trust,” Kasolo said.
Kasolo further urged the leaders to focus on delivering services to residents rather than engaging in endless political conflicts.
“The people of Masaka expect better roads, health services, education and development. Leaders must now work for the people and not for personal interests,” he added.
Bukoto East Member of Parliament Sarah Babirye Kityo pledged to work closely with district leaders regardless of political affiliation in order to improve livelihoods and development in the area.
“We are ready to cooperate with leaders at every level to ensure that our people receive the services they deserve,” Babirye said.
In his maiden remarks after taking oath, District Chairperson John Kakande announced that his administration would prioritise recovering government land allegedly grabbed or illegally sold by individuals in the district.
“We are going to fight the illegal sale of government land and protect public property. District resources must benefit the people of Masaka and not a few individuals,” Kakande declared.
The new Speaker, Immaculate Namaganda, promised to unite councillors from different political parties and ensure fairness in council proceedings.
“I will work with every leader without discrimination based on political party differences because development requires unity,” Namaganda said.
Residents and political observers say the new leadership faces enormous expectations, particularly in improving roads, health services, education and youth employment in the district.
The swearing-in comes at a time when many districts across Uganda are beginning new political terms following the recently concluded local government elections.
