Godwin Muhumuza Oulanya has been re-elected Speaker of Ibanda District following a vote by newly sworn-in district councillors during the first council sitting held on Wednesday at the district headquarters.
The swearing-in ceremony for incoming councillors was presided over by the Ibanda Chief Magistrate before the district council convened to elect its Speaker, officially commencing the new council term.
Two candidates contested for the speakership, including Muhumuza, who represents Bufunda Division, and Bright Mukundane, the councillor representing Kikyenkye Sub-county.
After voting by councillors, Muhumuza emerged victorious with 25 votes against Mukundane’s 10 votes.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Muhumuza thanked councillors for renewing their confidence in him and pledged to strengthen the district council during his new term in office.
“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 prioritise the welfare of councillors, arguing that their role in monitoring government programmes and representing communities is essential to effective service delivery.
“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 appealed for unity and cooperation among leaders, urging councillors to avoid unnecessary conflicts that could undermine council business and delay development programmes 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.
The election of the Speaker marked one of the first major activities of the newly constituted district council in Ibanda District as leaders begin a new political term.
