Leaders from different levels of leadership in Ssingo County have met to explore ways of strengthening cooperation and improving service delivery to the people of the Kabaka.
The meeting, convened by Buganda Kingdom's Minister for Local Governments, Kabaka’s Tours and Buganda Affairs Abroad, Joseph Kawuki, was held at Bulange and brought together political, cultural and local government leaders from across the county.
Among those in attendance were Ssingo County Chief Deogratious Kagimu, Third Deputy County Chief Stephen Jjumba, Members of Parliament Francis Zaake, Keefa Kiwanuka and Bisaso Abdul, as well as Kassanda District Chairperson Drake Ssemuyaba Ssembuusi and other local leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Kawuki urged leaders to remain committed to serving citizens and to actively engage in addressing issues affecting communities, including taxation, education and healthcare.
“Leaders must prioritise serving the people and should never remain silent when matters affecting citizens, such as taxes, education and health services, arise,” Kawuki said.
He reminded leaders of their responsibility to understand and advocate for Buganda Kingdom’s interests, including following up on long-standing issues between the Kingdom and the central government such as land matters and the push for federalism.
“You have a direct responsibility to understand Buganda’s concerns, follow up on issues the Kingdom continues to pursue with the central government, and maintain strong communication with the County Chief while participating in Kingdom programmes and activities,” he said.
Kawuki further noted that legislators who actively support county development initiatives often earn broader public trust and support beyond political party lines.
“When an MP supports county activities and development programmes, it strengthens public confidence in their leadership and enables them to address community concerns as individuals, not merely as party representatives,” he said.
The minister also unveiled plans to construct a perimeter wall around the Ssingo County headquarters and called on leaders to support the initiative. He further appealed to stakeholders to contribute towards strengthening the county football team ahead of this year's competitions.
Ssingo County Chief Kagimu welcomed the engagement, describing it as an important step towards fostering unity and teamwork among leaders.
“This kind of engagement strengthens brotherhood among leaders, and unity remains an essential ingredient in effective service delivery,” Kagimu said.
He also thanked the Kabaka for prioritising Ssingo under several development initiatives.
“Ssingo has benefited from a number of Kingdom programmes, including three vocational schools and Busimbi Hospital. However, leaders must work together to ensure that these services translate into meaningful change in people’s lives,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of elected leaders, Kiwanuka praised Kawuki for bringing together leaders from across the county, saying the platform would improve coordination and enhance service delivery.
“This platform will help us work together more effectively and deliver modern services to our people. We also ask the county leadership to continue guiding us on key issues so that we can jointly advance the Kingdom’s agenda,” Kiwanuka said.
Kiwanuka also raised concerns over the handling of public grievances, particularly land disputes, alleging that the conduct of some police officers had contributed to persistent conflicts.
“Many of the persistent land conflicts are fuelled by the conduct of some police officers who work with lawbreakers to suppress rightful claimants, affecting peace and development in Ssingo,” he alleged.
Land remains one of the most contentious issues in Buganda, with disputes involving ownership, tenancy rights and inheritance continuing to generate conflicts in several districts. Buganda Kingdom leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protection of land rights and faster resolution of land-related cases.
The meeting comes as Ssingo prepares to open its football season with a match against Kabula in Mityana, an event expected to bring together communities from across the county.