Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba has officially been sworn in as LC5 Chairperson for Ntungamo District for the 2026–2031 term, pledging unity, faster service delivery and improved livelihoods for residents as he begins his second tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Ntungamo District headquarters on Wednesday, also featured the election of 63 newly elected district councillors.
The district speaker election, conducted through a secret ballot, saw Bernard Ahabwe Mupenda emerge victorious after defeating Hope Asimire with 51 votes to 13, while Melon Kanyesigye was elected deputy speaker.
The oath of office was administered by Chief Magistrate Gordon Muhimbise.
In his maiden speech, Muchunguzi called for unity among leaders and pledged to work closely with all district authorities to transform the district and improve service delivery.
“Let’s work together, let’s develop our district. Since 1993 the district started on difficult ground till 2021. However, the outgoing council was successful with no infights and I thank God for that. For these five years, I pledge to work with you,” he said.
He added that his administration would prioritize improving household incomes and strengthening engagement with communities at grassroots level.
“We want to improve people’s livelihoods, go to villages and host barazas and do all the work of our district,” he noted.
Muchunguzi further promised quick action within his first months in office.
“In my first hundred days, we shall be too fast and achieve a lot,” he emphasized.
The ceremony also featured the formal handover of instruments of power by Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza to the newly sworn-in LC5 chairperson.
Moments after assuming office, Muchunguzi appointed Asuman Kigongo as his deputy district chairperson.
The newly elected district speaker expressed gratitude to councillors, describing his election as a symbol of community solidarity and support.
During the ceremony, Chief Magistrate Muhimbise urged councillors to uphold the Local Government Act and seek guidance where necessary to avoid errors in executing their duties.
Ntungamo District, created in July 1993 after being carved from Mbarara and Bushenyi districts, has since grown from three counties to five constituencies, a development leaders say has improved planning and service delivery.
