Semugera was sworn in alongside 48 councillors, marking the beginning of a new legislative term expected to focus on infrastructure development, unity and accountability.
Former Busiro East Member of Parliament Medard Lubega Sseggona was all smiles as his strongman, Joseph Bitokote Semugera, who contested on an independent ticket, was sworn in as the new Kyengera Town Council chairperson.
Semugera’s victory comes amid intense political competition in urban councils, where the National Unity Platform (NUP) secured significant influence. His win offered a moment of relief and celebration for Sseggona and his supporters.
Semugera was sworn in alongside 48 councillors, marking the beginning of a new legislative term expected to focus on infrastructure development, unity and accountability.
The ceremony, presided over by returning officer Achilles Kiwanuka on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, was followed by elections for council leadership positions.
After taking the oath of office, Ssemugera chaired the council’s first sitting, during which National Resistance Movement (NRM) councillor Elijah Lubwama was elected speaker after defeating independent candidate Dauda Migadde by 31 votes to 17. Annet Nakayiza (NRM) was elected deputy speaker, beating independent candidate Juma Ssempala by 33 votes to 14.
The council also constituted standing committees to oversee key sectors of the town council administration.
Shifla Nakibuuka (NRM) was elected unopposed to chair the Social Services and Community-Based Services Committee, while Shamim Nabukalu (NRM) also went unopposed to head the Works, Production and Technical Services Committee.
Daniel Welaga Kayemba (NRM) won the Finance and Planning Committee chairmanship with 28 votes, defeating Matovu Issach, who secured 13 votes. Eight councillors were absent during the vote, while one ballot was declared invalid.
The event attracted several political and cultural leaders, including former MP Mike Kennedy Sebalu, former Kyengera Town Council chairperson Haji Abdul Kiyimba, representatives from the Buganda Kingdom and the Assistant Resident District Commissioner.
In his inaugural speech, Semugera thanked residents for entrusting him with leadership and pledged to work with all stakeholders regardless of political affiliation.
Quoting Psalm 100, he described Kyengera as one of the country’s prominent town councils and promised respectful and people-centred service delivery.
“The law exists, but there is also common sense,” Semugera said, urging councillors to regularly attend council sessions in order to effectively represent residents.
He also recognised several community figures, including Vincent Kayongo, Kagudo Lutwama and Ssebwana, the second deputy from the Buganda Kingdom, for their contribution to local development.
Former chairperson Haji Abdul Kiyimba called for political maturity and unity, saying political differences should not derail development.
“Sseggona is my brother; nothing stops us from being one,” Kiyimba said.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Angel Namulimbe urged the newly sworn-in leaders to fulfil their campaign promises and remain accountable to the public throughout their term.
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