Mukono Municipal Council Deputy Town Clerk Moses Magemeso described Ssemanda as a “foundation stone” in the municipality’s development journey.
From public land and roads to council facilities and the physical plans that guided Mukono’s urban expansion, several of the assets that underpin Mukono Municipality today have been traced to initiatives undertaken during the tenure of the late former town council chairperson, Charles Ssemanda.
Ssemanda, who died on Sunday aged 79, has been credited with helping lay the foundation for Mukono’s transformation from a small trading centre into a planned urban area, with municipal leaders describing him as one of the pioneers of the town’s development.
His contribution was highlighted on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during a special council sitting at the Municipal Board Room, where political and technical leaders, councillors and community members gathered to honour his legacy.
Mukono Municipal Council Deputy Town Clerk Moses Magemeso described Ssemanda as a “foundation stone” in the municipality’s development journey.
Magemeso said Mukono’s transformation into a municipality was the result of deliberate efforts by visionary leaders who invested in infrastructure, land and institutions for the future.
He credited Ssemanda with contributing to the opening and improvement of roads, establishment of council facilities, strengthening of local revenue mobilisation, acquisition of land for public services and development of the town’s institutions.
Among the initiatives attributed to his leadership were the establishment of the Town Council Administration Block, initiation of physical planning and acquisition and compensation of land for Mukono Health Centre II, which has since developed into Mukono General Hospital.
Ssemanda was also credited with facilitating the acquisition of land for the municipal cemetery and taxi park, as well as supporting the acquisition of equipment and vehicles for garbage collection.
Magemeso said Ssemanda also left behind a functional technical team whose work has continued to support Mukono’s growth and development.
Former Mukono mayors George Fred Kagimu and Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga commended the council for honouring their predecessor, describing him as a key figure in Mukono’s early physical development.
They said Ssemanda participated in the development of early physical plans covering roads, walkways, market areas, the taxi park, health facilities and other urban infrastructure.
The current Mukono Municipality Mayor, Robert Peter Kabanda, described Ssemanda as an honest and visionary leader who planned for the future of the town and worked with fellow leaders regardless of their political differences.
Ssemanda was also remembered for mentoring young people and encouraging them to participate in politics and community service.
Leaders further praised him for respecting democratic transitions and peacefully handing over leadership.
Mukono District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome said Ssemanda’s conduct demonstrated that political differences should not stand in the way of development.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka described Ssemanda as a selfless public servant and urged current leaders to emulate his commitment to the community.
Ndisaba also commended Ssemanda’s wife and family for supporting him throughout his years of public service.
“Unlike many leaders today who are more concerned about enriching themselves, Ssemanda was different. Almost all the land owned by Mukono Municipality today was acquired during his tenure, when Mukono was still a Town Board and later a Town Council,” she said.
“Much of this land is in prime locations. If Ssemanda had been selfish or driven by personal interests, he had every opportunity to buy it for himself. Instead, he secured it for the municipality and future generations,” Ndisaba added.
Moving the motion of tribute, Area Councillor Vincent Lubwama described Ssemanda as a committed leader whose tenure was characterised by institutional development, urban planning and service to the people of Mukono.
The family representative thanked Mukono Municipal Council for honouring their late father and giving him a dignified send-off.
The family called upon leaders and residents to embrace unity beyond political differences and put Mukono’s development at the centre of their efforts.
Ssemanda began his public service career in the early 1970s, initially working in the Works Department before joining active politics. He later became Chairperson of Mukono Town Board and Town Council at a critical stage in the town’s urban transformation.
As Mukono mourns his death, leaders said his legacy lives on through the infrastructure, public land, institutions, physical plans and people he helped shape.
Ssemanda will be laid to rest today at Katuba Village in Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District.
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