Jinja RCC urges new executive to respect boundaries for better service delivery
RCC Kumakech assured the council of government support in advancing development and maintaining security during their term of service.
Jinjja city RCC Salim Kumakech speaking after the swearing-in ceremony. (Photo by Doreen Musingo)
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The newly sworn-in Jinja city executive leaders have been cautioned to respect delegated responsibilities and their work boundaries, and to work closely with the technical team as they focus on improving service delivery.
Salim Kumakech, the resident city commissioner (RCC), said the executive should continuously be reminded of their delegated roles, which should be exercised with humility and respect for the already established leadership structures.
Speaking on June 18, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of committee chairpersons at Jinja City Hall, RCC Kumakech assured the council of government support in advancing development and maintaining security during their term of service.
"I can see the new executive has been to proper scrutiny, the leadership that has been sworn in today is a continuation of the previous administration and a testament to the commitment to service delivery,” he said.
The council earlier rejected the proposed names of the executive, composed only of female councillors, but after proper scrutiny, they were approved. They include Mariam Nalumasi (Jinja South West) as deputy mayor, Irene Nakato Wakabi (Jinja South East), Secretary for Social Services, Shakira Kitimbo (youth representative) for works and environment, and Annet Tusibira (Jinja North East) for finance.
He pledged that the security team would continue supporting the council whenever needed to ensure the smooth implementation of government programmes.
He warned them against actions that could create unnecessary conflicts within the city administration, noting that successful leadership requires teamwork and respect for authority.
"Do not put pressure on the technical team to do things that are not provided for. Such pressure can lead them into making mistakes, yet they are the ones who later bear the consequences," he said.
Kumakech cited past controversies surrounding the allocation of land in Masese Parish, saying some of the challenges arose due to political interference in technical processes.
He noted that investigations into previous land transactions had been complicated by missing or unreliable documentation.
"Many of the mistakes that occurred in the allocation of Masese land were politically influenced. When we try to review records to make informed decisions, it becomes difficult because some documents cannot be traced or relied upon," he said.
He called for clear boundaries between political leaders and technical officers, emphasising that each group has distinct responsibilities that must be respected for effective governance.
He said cooperation between the political and technical wings of the city administration should be key in accelerating development and improving public services.
Kumakech further praised the Jinja mayor for promoting women into leadership positions, saying women are equally capable of delivering results when given opportunities.
He urged the newly elected leaders to remain focused on serving residents and supporting government programmes aimed at transforming livelihoods.
"All we need is to work together to push the development agenda of this country forward. Security is ready to support any initiative aimed at improving the lives of our people," he said.
Al-Hajji Nagaya Abdulhafiz, the mayor, said teamwork was the only way to achieve better service delivery.
He explained that having women run the city executive committee is not a mistake but a form of women's empowerment, and he expressed confidence that they will deliver as expected.
“I don’t have any problem working with only female members on the executive, I do believe in them and expect the council to give them full support to perform. In case they fail, I have the mandate to reshuffle them,” he said.
Juma Ssozi, the speaker, urged the committee to always be alert and said that as mothers, they are expected to uplift and uphold the image of Jinja city.
Mariam Nalumasi, who was sworn in as deputy mayor, said Jinja city still faces a number of challenges that require immediate response, including improved health and education, particularly concerning the girl child, who is prone to teenage pregnancies and early marriages.