Byamugisha begins third successive term as Kabale Municipality mayor

Independent politician Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha will be banking on his vast experience as he leads Kabale Municipality through a third consecutive term as mayor.

After he and 28 newly elected councilors took oath of office this week, Byamugisha hit the ground running with a clarion call for unity, development, and cooperation among leaders.

Presided over by Kabale Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha, the swearing-in ceremony took place at Kabale Municipal Stadium, before the leaders moved to the Municipal Council Hall to elect the speaker and deputy speaker.

Speaking shortly after taking oath, Byamugisha pledged to continue lobbying for projects aimed at transforming Kabale Municipality and improving service delivery to residents.

He revealed that another major infrastructure project under the Uganda Support to City Infrastructure Development Programme is expected to start in the municipality, focusing mainly on road infrastructure development.

Several roads in Bugongi, Kirigime, and Nyabikoni wards are expected to be upgraded and tarmacked under the programme. 

The mayor said improved roads would boost transport, ease business operations, and attract investment into the municipality.

Byamugisha also urged residents of Greater Kabale to appreciate leaders from the Kigezi sub-region who have been entrusted with key government positions, saying such appointments create opportunities for local development.

He specifically commended finance state minister (general duties) Henry Musasizi for supporting government programmes and development initiatives within the Kigezi region. 

Byamugisha urged the newly elected councillors and leaders to put aside political differences and work together for the benefit of residents.

He disclosed that he had subscribed to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political pressure group whose chairman is the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Magezi, who represents Rutooma Ward in Northern Division, secured 17 votes to defeat independent councillor Allan Turinawe of Kirigime Ward, who garnered 11 votes in the closely contested election. (Credit: Nelson Ahimbisibwe)

NRM maintains control

Meanwhile, the NRM strengthened its grip on the municipal council leadership after Godfrey Magezi was elected speaker of Kabale Municipal Council.

Magezi, who represents Rutooma Ward in Northern Division, secured 17 votes to defeat independent councillor Allan Turinawe of Kirigime Ward, who garnered 11 votes in the closely contested election.

Following his victory, Magezi called upon leaders to remain united throughout their term of office and avoid divisions that could derail service delivery.

He urged councillors to resolve disagreements internally through dialogue instead of promoting sectarianism and political conflict among leaders.

Eunice Orishaba, the NRM councillor representing women with disabilities, was elected unopposed as deputy speaker.

Mayor Byamugisha later retained Kedress Mutabazi, the LC5 councillor for Central Ward in Central Division, as deputy mayor.

Rachael Asiimwe, the female councillor representing Karubanda Ward, was appointed secretary for administration, finance and planning.

Yusuf Twegumye, councillor for Karubanda Ward, was appointed secretary for works, production and technical services.

Grace Tukamushaba Natukunda, the councillor representing Mwanjari Ward, was appointed secretary for social and community-based services.

Addressing leaders during the ceremony, minister Musasizi commended residents of Kabale Municipality for conducting peaceful elections and electing leaders committed to development.

He revealed that government plans are underway to rehabilitate traditional schools across the Kigezi sub-region in an effort to improve education infrastructure and learning conditions.

He said many old government-aided schools in the region require renovation and upgrading to provide learners with a better learning environment.

The minister also urged the newly sworn-in leaders to cooperate regardless of political affiliation in order to promote development and improve service delivery.

He challenged them to remain accountable to the electorate and ensure proper implementation of government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.

The commencement of the new political term in Kabale Municipality comes at a time when residents are expecting improved infrastructure, better urban planning, and enhanced public services from the newly constituted leadership.