SSEBUWUFU WINS KCCA SPEAKER RACE AS NAMAZZI SECURES DEPUTY SEAT

John Mary Ssebuwufu of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was on Thursday elected speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority Council after defeating independent candidate Ali Kalule in a closely contested vote at City Hall.

Ssebuwufu, who represents Nakawa I, polled 18 votes against Kalule’s 16 during elections held at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and presided over by Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa. One ballot was declared invalid out of 35 votes cast.

The elections began at 1 p.m. as newly elected councillors gathered to constitute the city authority’s leadership.

After the results were announced, Ssebuwufu took oath at 3:20 p.m., pledging to lead the authority fairly and work across political divides.

“I promise to be fair, inclusive and organized in leading this city. Thank you for believing in me. Let us work together despite our political differences to deliver quality services to the people of Kampala,” Ssebuwufu said.

In the deputy speaker race, Olive Kagobola Namazzi representing Nakawa West, also of the National Unity Platform, defeated independent candidate Nicholas Kwarija after securing 20 votes against 15.

Namazzi took oath at 3 p.m. before receiving the instruments of power.

During the ceremony, Sharifah Buzeki, the executive director of KCCA, handed over the instruments of authority to the newly elected leaders.

The instruments included the ceremonial mace, the 1995 Constitution, the KCCA Act, the Local Government Act, the Rules of Procedure for the KCCA Council, the authority seal, a ceremonial hammer and a bell.

Buzeki congratulated the newly elected speaker and deputy speaker and pledged the support of the technical wing in advancing service delivery across the capital.

“We are committed to working together with the political leadership to ensure efficient service delivery for the people of Kampala. The city deserves unity, coordination and focus as we address the challenges facing our residents,” Buzeki said.

Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the newly sworn-in lord mayor, called for cooperation among councillors regardless of political affiliation, saying Kampala residents expect results rather than confrontation.

“The people of Kampala entrusted us with leadership to improve their lives. We must now put politics aside and work together to build a cleaner, organized and productive city,” Balimwezo said.

Kidasa congratulated the newly elected leaders and urged them to serve Kampala residents with integrity and unity.

“It is my prayer that God enables our council to serve diligently and faithfully,” Kidasa said.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer