Nsikonene identified land grabbing as one of the major challenges facing residents, revealing that he had personally experienced attempts to take away his land under the previous village leadership.
Salongo Habibu Nsikonene, who made headlines after marrying seven women on the same day in 2023, has been elected chairperson of Namasengere Village in Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council, Mukono District, pledging to tackle land grabbing, improve education and empower women economically.
Nsikonene, a traditional healer and farmer, took up the village leadership role after winning the LC1 election, despite a dispute raised by his rival, Stephen Kitooke.
He was sworn in three weeks ago after the Mukono District Electoral Commission dismissed Kitooke’s complaint, clearing the way for his inauguration. His swearing-in had been delayed despite receiving a letter from town council electoral officials confirming his victory.
Speaking in an interview, Nsikonene said he was ready to serve all residents regardless of how they voted.
“The game is over. I am ready to work with everyone, whether they voted for me or not,” he said.
Nsikonene identified land grabbing as one of the major challenges facing residents, revealing that he had personally experienced attempts to take away his land under the previous village leadership.
He pledged to help resolve land disputes and protect residents from losing their property unlawfully, saying secure land ownership was essential for peace and development.
On education, Nsikonene said he wanted to reduce illiteracy by promoting access to affordable schooling. He revealed that he had already established a school and intended to expand educational opportunities for children in the village.
The new chairperson also promised to support women and other residents through interest-free loans, which he said he would personally provide to help them start or expand income-generating activities.
He said he would encourage residents to form organised groups to promote savings, business development and economic independence.
Nsikonene further identified poor roads as a major obstacle to development, pledging to engage higher authorities to improve road access in the village.
Headteacher, Seven Others Arrested, Investigated Over UCE Examination Malpractice
Despite assuming the leadership role, Nsikonene said he would continue practising traditional healing alongside farming, which he described as his main source of livelihood.
He said his healing practice was a spiritual calling that began when he was still a young boy, adding that his motivation was to help people rather than make money.
“I do it for the well-being of the people. This calling came to me when I was still young, and I consider it a spiritual gift,” he said.
Nsikonene said he helps people facing challenges related to sickness, marriage and business, but refers patients to health facilities when their conditions require hospital treatment.
He also pledged to establish a clinic where residents could receive initial treatment before being referred to larger hospitals when necessary.
He expressed confidence that he could balance his leadership responsibilities with his healing practice, saying he would work closely with his village committee to fulfil his campaign promises.
Some residents welcomed his election, saying his involvement in community activities predated his entry into village leadership.
Nsubuga Fulasiko Ssalongo, a voter, said Nsikonene had participated in bulungi bwansi activities, including clearing roads and contributing to community development.
He also recalled an incident in which Nsikonene helped transport a sick person to a better medical facility without demanding payment.
“Let us always vote for capability, not just for the person we know,” Nsubuga said.
Another resident, Babirye Nalubowa, said women were hopeful that the proposed interest-free loans would help them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
She also welcomed plans to establish a local clinic and a village office where residents could meet their leaders, raise concerns and seek solutions to community problems.
Nsikonene now faces the task of translating his promises into tangible results, with residents expecting progress in land protection, education, road access, healthcare and household incomes.
