NRM's Lukia rises from deputy to Sheema Municipality mayor

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Nakalisa Lukia of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was Tuesday declared the newly-elected Sheema Municipality mayor in Uganda's western district of Sheema after securing 12,492 votes in a three-way race.

The final results declared by Sheema district returning officer Pius Ahimbisibwe just before 11pm at the Sheema Central Division Hall put independent candidates Moses Basigaraho Bishweko and Bravo Tumusingize in second and third, respectively.

Bishweko got 9,099 votes while Tumusingize managed 1,613 votes.

The contest was part of the Local Government council elections across municipalities and city divisions countrywide.

After being declared winner, Lukia stuck with her pledge of prioritising infrastructural development.

“Sheema Municipality is the second largest municipality in the country, with a wide road network. The challenge has been limited equipment, which makes it hard to maintain roads effectively. I will work together with the elected Sheema Municipality MP to lobby government and partners to address this challenge," she said.

Lukia, who has served as the Rutooma Ward councillor in Kabwohe Division, has also been the deputy mayor of Sheema Municipality since 2021. 

She will succeed Abel Kahara Atucungura, who did not seek re-election. 

Byaruhanga retains mayoral seat

In Bushenyi district, Richard Nestor Byaruhanga was re-elected as Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality mayor after polling 6,892 votes.

He beat independent candidates Evarist Mucunguzi (3,525 votes) and Jackson Kamugasha (2,076 votes).

Other contestants included Ayerazibwe Deo (NUP) with 172 votes, Guma Gustus Gumisiriza (PFF) with 116 votes, and Tumusiime Johnbosco (Independent), who polled 57 votes.

The results were declared by Bushenyi district returning officer Annet Ashaba just before 11pm at the Bushenyi District Council Hall.

Speaking after being declared winner, Byaruhanga pledged to consolidate gains made during his previous term.

“My priority is to continue fighting corruption, improving education standards and strengthening service delivery for the people of Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality,” he said.