The newly elected Mayor of Mpigi Town Council, Faridah Ndagire Sempala, has pledged to tackle darkness, poor sanitation, and water shortages during her 2026–2031 term.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Ndagire said one of her top priorities will be the installation of street lights across Mpigi Town Council to improve security and transform the town’s image.
She said it is unfortunate that Mpigi, despite its proximity to Kampala, remains largely dark at night.
“When you arrive in Mpigi during the day, it looks like a town, but at night, when there is no lighting, you may think you are in a forgotten village,” Ndagire said.
According to the mayor, inadequate street lighting has contributed to rising crime, including theft, robbery, attacks on women, and murder.
“We receive many criminal cases that would not exist if the town had proper lighting. Criminals break into homes and businesses at night, steal property and money, while women are attacked on roads under the cover of darkness,” she said.
Ndagire pledged that her administration will install street lights on all major roads within the town council to enhance security and improve the town’s appearance.
She also promised to address poor sanitation and waste management, saying she wants Mpigi to become one of the cleanest towns in the region.
“Some people think I cannot manage because I am a woman, but I want to assure residents that my mission has already started. I want Mpigi to become a clean and organized town that others can admire,” she said.
The mayor added that her administration will promote cleanliness through proper garbage collection and beautification programmes, including the planting of flowers in public spaces.
Faridah further committed to improving access to clean water across Mpigi Town Council, emphasizing that water is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation standards.
“As we improve sanitation, water must also be prioritized. I will work hard to ensure water services are extended across the entire town council so that Mpigi can truly reflect the standards of a modern town near Kampala,” she noted.
To support the implementation of her agenda, appointed journalist and Mpigi Ward A Councillor Hassan Wasswa as her deputy mayor.
Wasswa said their leadership team is committed to fulfilling the promises made to residents, adding that his journalism background will help them remain informed about community concerns.
“Every leader needs journalists because they help leaders understand the problems affecting residents. Without information, a leader may think everything is fine,” Wasswa said.
He also pledged to advocate for journalists’ rights and welfare, noting that media practitioners play a vital role in community development and accountability.
Mpigi District, which forms part of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, continues to face several urban challenges, including poor sanitation, unplanned development, inadequate street lighting, poor road infrastructure, and water shortages.
Residents are now waiting to see whether the new mayor will deliver on her promises and transform the town over the next five years.
