Residents accuse the current chairperson of abandoning the traditional 11-member village council structure and instead centralizing leadership to his family, a move they say has weakened community participation and accountability.
NTV’s Mukono-based reporter Daniel Mwesigwa Ssenfuma has officially entered the race for the Nsambwe A Cell Village Chairperson seat in Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality, following years of persistent appeals from residents who believe he possesses the leadership qualities needed to transform their community.
For several years, residents had urged Mwesigwa to contest for the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson position, citing his integrity, commitment to public service, and leadership skills. However, he consistently turned down their requests, insisting that he was already serving the community through journalism.
As a journalist with NTV, Mwesigwa said he believed he could best serve not only his village but the wider Mukono District by exposing injustices, advocating for vulnerable citizens, and highlighting both challenges and development initiatives undertaken by various stakeholders.
His stance, however, changed after the government’s decision on July 28, 2026, to close Nation Media outlets, including NTV, effectively ending the platform through which he had been serving the public.
The development prompted Mwesigwa to reconsider the residents’ long-standing request, eventually deciding to contest for the village’s top leadership position.
“I have lived in Nsambwe A Cell close to 19 years. During that time, I have identified several challenges that have remained unresolved. I believe it is now time to directly participate in leadership and work with residents to address them,” Mwesigwa said.
He will face the incumbent chairperson, Ibrahim Kibirige who has led the village for decades. Many residents argue that despite the long tenure, there is little visible evidence of development or improved service delivery.
Residents accuse the current chairperson of abandoning the traditional 11-member village council structure and instead centralizing leadership to his family, a move they say has weakened community participation and accountability.
They also question the management of the 25 percent share of funds reportedly allocated by Mukono Central Division to villages for community projects, alleging that the money has never been transparently accounted for or used for its intended purpose.
According to the residents, they once contributed money to purchase culverts for the rehabilitation of a community road, but the funds allegedly disappeared without the project being implemented.
Supporters say Mwesigwa’s experience in public accountability and community advocacy makes him well-positioned to restore transparency and effective leadership in the village.
Mwesigwa is expected to complete his nomination process at Mukono Central Division today, at 12:00pm after which he will await the official polling date for the village elections.
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