The Presidential Special Envoy and Adviser on Buganda Affairs, Joseph Mukasa Ssewava, has cautioned newly elected leaders in Bukomansimbi District against engaging in corruption and the alleged sale of public jobs, warning that the practice deprives qualified local residents of opportunities to serve their communities.
Ssewava made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected leaders of Butenga Sub-county, where local council leaders officially assumed office and elected Richard Kajjubi as Speaker of the Sub-county Council.
The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Bukomansimbi District, Barnabas Nambwire.
Addressing the leaders shortly after they took their oath of office, Ssewava urged them to uphold integrity and transparency throughout their term.
“Leaders must desist from the practice of selling jobs. Public service positions should be awarded on merit so that qualified sons and daughters of the area can contribute to the development of their communities,” Ssewava said.
He also challenged the leaders to avoid making promises they may not be able to fulfill, noting that unrealistic pledges often erode public trust in elected officials.
“Do not spend your term promising heaven and earth to the people. Focus on monitoring government projects, ensuring accountability and advocating for programmes that improve the livelihoods of the communities you represent,” he added.
The newly sworn-in Butenga Sub-county Chairperson, Mike Sserwadda Ssebandeke, pledged to work with all stakeholders regardless of political affiliation to address the challenges affecting residents.
“Our priority is to unite the people of Butenga and work together as one community. Development cannot be achieved through political divisions,” Ssebandeke said.
He identified poor health services and challenges in the education sector as some of the key issues requiring urgent attention.
“We shall put special emphasis on improving healthcare and education standards because these are critical services that directly affect the welfare of our people,” he said.
Newly elected Speaker Richard Kajjubi said the council would prioritize youth empowerment and ensure that young people benefit from government programmes aimed at wealth creation.
“Many young people are still trapped in poverty despite the existence of government programmes. We shall work to ensure that the youth access these opportunities and improve their livelihoods,” Kajjubi said.
Councillors attending the event also appealed to government and district authorities to increase their facilitation allowances, arguing that the current funding is inadequate for them to effectively carry out their oversight and representation responsibilities.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of a new leadership term in Butenga Sub-county, with residents expressing hope that the incoming leaders will address long-standing service delivery challenges and accelerate local development.
