Fisherman wins Mayuge LC5 seat

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David Zijja, a fisherman, has been declared the winner of the Mayuge district LC5 chairperson seat.

Zijja, who contested on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, emerged victorious after defeating six other contenders, including former district leader and the head of the Shia Muslim community in Uganda, Omar Bongo Muwaya Ductoor, who ran as an independent candidate.

Other contestants included Peter Nkwanga Tasibula, the current district vice chairperson, Joshua Babiita of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Elijah Magumba (Independent), Swalik Kasakya (Independent), Aggrey Kyeyamwa (Independent) and Peter Tasibula Nkwangwa.

The results were officially announced on Friday afternoon by the Mayuge District Electoral Commission Registrar, Anna Ahebwa. According to the final tally, Zijja garnered 62,393 votes, representing 55.43 percent of the total votes cast. His closest challenger, Omar Bongo Muwaya Ductoor, secured 26,414 votes (23.47 percent), while Peter Nkwanga Tasibula got 2890 votes, and Joshua Babiita (NUP) obtained 17,729 votes. The remaining candidates received lower numbers, with Swalik Kasakya polling 1,543 votes, Aggrey Kyeyamwa 966 votes, and Elijah Magumba 509 votes.

Zijja is the current district councillor representing Malongo sub-county, a position he has held since 2016. He also served as the secretary for Education and Health in the district council between 2021 and 2025.

Beyond his political career, Zijja is a fisherman based at Nango landing site in Malongo sub-county, where he earns his livelihood.

“I am very happy that I have elected a leader who is connected to the daily realities of the fishing community. I am optimistic that issues in the fishing industry will be addressed,” Isima Isabirye, a resident, said.

Following his declaration, Zijja pledged to prioritise service delivery and development in the district. He emphasised infrastructure development, transport and health as key areas of focus.

“We have a number of issues that require government intervention. The construction of the Bwondha- Mayuge- Iganga road, which was pledged by President Yoweri Museveni, must be fulfilled to improve connectivity and spur economic development in the district,” Zijja said.

Zijja also raised concerns over the unresolved matter involving the 48 acres of land in Busoga Forest reserve and 500 acres in Bukaleba, which were reportedly allocated to the community but remain contested.

“This land issue must be resolved to allow the people to fully benefit and to enable meaningful development in the area,” he said.

Additionally, the newly elected chairperson emphasised the urgent need for a ferry service to connect island communities to the mainland. He observed that although a large part of Mayuge District lies along Lake Victoria, the district currently has no ferry.

“Most residents rely on small boats to access essential services on the mainland, which puts their lives at risk,” Zijja said, adding that safe and reliable water transport would greatly improve access to health, education and markets.

On health service delivery, Zijja pledged to implement the NRM manifesto with a strong focus on improving health care infrastructure. He noted that the district has no government hospital and called for the upgrade of Mayuge health centre IV to hospital status.

“We do not have a hospital in the district. Upgrading Mayuge health facility to a hospital will ease access to health services for our people,” he said.

The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama congratulated the newly elected LC5 Chairperson and urged the elected council members to work together in unity.

She emphasised that a united council would foster cooperation and clarity in decision-making. She added that it's only through unity that leaders can collectively agree on priorities and effectively implement development plans.