Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Mityana District have elected their representatives to hold the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag for five leadership positions in the district.
The elections, held at the Mityana Municipal Hall, attracted a large turnout of PWDs from across the district, with members casting their votes peacefully.
The newly elected leaders include Tadeo Byamukama Ssekiranda as the District Chairperson, Charles Namuyibwa Severi as Vice Chairperson, Simon Peter Zirimu Musisi as Secretary for Mobilization, Stella Babirye Nambalirwa as Treasurer, and Roy Nakakande Nakiwutta Buva as Secretary for Information.
The exercise was supervised by the Mityana District NRM Electoral Commission team, led by Faith Tumwebaze Maggie, assisted by Richard Kawooya , alongside the NRM District Chairperson Hajji Kibirige Harunah Nzizza, who commended the peaceful conduct of the process.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Faith Tumwebaze congratulated the winners and emphasized that the election was only the beginning of a bigger political journey.
“We have now identified our flag bearers, but the real work lies ahead. They will face the general election where they will compete with candidates from other political parties,” Tumwebaze noted.
She noted that in some positions, the candidates were unopposed, making the process smoother.
“Most of them are confident that they will not be challenged, but the real test will come when they officially take the oath and begin serving the disability community,” Tumwebaze added.
NRM District Chairperson Hajji Harunah Kibirige Nzizza expressed his delight at the successful elections but also highlighted some internal disagreements.
“It is a good thing that we have elected our leaders peacefully, but I have observed some misunderstandings among members. As the district leadership, we shall hold a meeting to address these disputes so that unity prevails,” Nzizza noted.
"Noting that some members had boycotted the election due to these disagreements.
In his acceptance speech, Tadeo Byamukama Ssekiranda promised to prioritize the welfare of PWDs, particularly in ensuring transparency and accountability in resource distribution.
“I will work hard to ensure that funds meant for persons with disabilities are managed well and reach every intended beneficiary. I will also seek more opportunities for our members to improve their livelihoods,” Tadeo pledged.
The elected NRM flag bearers will now prepare to represent the party in the forthcoming general elections, with hopes of advancing the interests of PWDs across Mityana District.