Kyankwanzi district chairperson Semugaba sworn in, 45 councillors

KYANKWANZI - Samuel Semugaba has o been sworn in as the Kyankwanzi District Chairperson alongside 45 district councillors during a ceremony held at the district headquarters.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Her Worship Nanvuma Janefrancis.

During the function, the Chief Administrative Officer, Fred Kizito Mukasa, officially handed over office instruments to the new district chairperson in accordance with Section 186 of the Local Government Act Cap 138.

Highlights of the events included various activities by the CAO, who handed over :  a comprehensive report signed by the outgoing chairperson, Dr. John Mpuuga, office keys, vehicle registration number UG 3400263 together with its assigned driver, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Local Government Act, and official stamps.

The occasion also witnessed a tightly contested race for the Kyankwanzi District Speakership, where Lukwago Haluna secured 24 votes against Senyange Muhammad’s 20 votes, while one ballot was declared invalid.

Haluna was later sworn in as the new District Speaker.

The CAO also handed over the instruments of power to the Speaker, including office keys, the Speaker’s wig and gown, the official stamp, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Standard Rules of Procedure for Local Government Councils in Uganda, and the Local Government Act.

After presiding over the swearing-in of the 45 councillors and the District Speaker, Her Worship Nanvuma Jane Francis urged the leaders to serve with accountability, transparency, humility, and integrity.

She called upon them to listen to community concerns, properly manage public resources, distance themselves from corruption, and promote teamwork instead of division.

Speaking after his election, Speaker Lukwago Haluna thanked councillors for entrusting him with the office and pledged to lead with fairness and equity.

District Chairperson Semugaba Samuel congratulated all councillors upon their election victory and successful swearing-in to form what he described as a “unique new District Council.”

“My dear  councillors, I humbly request you to learn from one another and maintain mutual love, respect, understanding and cooperation for the common good of developing the people you represent,” Semugaba said.

He further called upon the leaders to remain disciplined and exemplary in society, while pledging to support councillors in their oversight roles and prioritise their welfare.

In his remarks, Semugaba urged residents to remain vigilant against Ebola, especially during celebrations and public gatherings. 

He also congratulated the voters of Kyankwanzi District for electing what he termed as vibrant leaders, pledging to lead the district with justice, peace, and utmost diligence to improve service delivery.

He later presented his District Executive Committee to the council for approval.

The committee includes Alex Kivumbi as Vice Chairperson from Kilyanongo Sub-county, Senyange Muhammad as Secretary for Finance, Nasaazi Marry as Secretary for Works, and Makanga Ronald Musisi as Secretary for Social Services. The council approved the appointments.

Meanwhile, Kyikabi Edward, the Ntwetwe Constituency Member of Parliament, called upon district leaders to prioritise poverty eradication as a key driver for the development of Kyankwanzi District.