Shortly after Kampala Capital City Authority Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki handed over instruments of power to the newly elected Speaker, JohnMary Ssebuwufu, he used his acceptance speech to call for improved welfare for councillors.
Ssebuwufu questioned why other employees at the authority benefit from health insurance while councillors, who form the political leadership, are excluded.
“The welfare of the councillors must be put at the forefront. We can’t continue to be sidelined as though we do not belong here,” Ssebuwufu said.
He pledged to promote mutual respect for differing political opinions and urged councillors to treat council sittings with seriousness and professionalism.
“A councillor should not come to council casually, as though they have not come for serious business. Every sitting should be treated as business,” he added.
His deputy, Olive Namazzi Kagobola, pledged to support his agenda while prioritising welfare improvements for councillors and service delivery for Kampala residents.
“We are going to focus on empowering marginalised groups and improving infrastructure in the city,” Namazzi said.
The event was attended by former Deputy Lord Mayor Sarah Kanyike, Makindye Division Mayor Zacchy Mberaze Mawula, and Rubaga North MP Abubaker Kawalya, who previously served as Speaker of the same council.
