Women and older persons in Kampala have new leaders to champion their interests after KCCA swore in newly elected district and division-level council representatives, with a challenge to turn their positions into action that improves lives.
The leaders took their oaths of office on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall, marking a fresh chapter in the representation of the two special interest groups in the city’s decision-making and development processes.
The swearing-in is part of efforts to strengthen the voice of marginalised communities in leadership, with the newly elected representatives expected to mobilise their constituencies, influence development priorities and ensure their concerns receive attention.
Leaders of the Persons with Disabilities Council are expected to be sworn in at a separate ceremony on another date.
Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo challenged the newly sworn-in leaders to mobilise their respective constituencies and become active participants in the city’s development.
He described women and older persons as important pillars of families and communities, saying their contribution was vital to Kampala’s progress.
“Women and the elderly are very important in the development of the city. They are providers for families and strong pillars of society,” Balimwezo said.
He pledged to focus on women’s economic empowerment, children’s welfare and efforts to address challenges affecting vulnerable groups, urging the new representatives to work with city leadership to advance these priorities.
Representing the KCCA Executive Director, Frank Rusa reminded the leaders that their election came with the responsibility of delivering results for the people they represent.
“Leadership is a calling. Your work is cut out for you. You must understand government programmes, help them succeed and ensure they reach the people they are intended to benefit. Good leadership can transform lives,” Rusa said.
KCCA Speaker John Mary Ssebufu called for greater respect for older persons, stressing the need to protect their dignity and recognise their contribution to society.
Deputy Speaker Olive Namazzi challenged the new representatives to lead with fairness, warning against discrimination and urging them to treat everyone equally.
For the newly elected women leaders, one of the immediate priorities is building the capacity to deliver on their mandate.
Sarah Nandawula was sworn in as Chairperson of the Kampala District Women Council, with Susan Zawedde as secretary.
Nandawula said equipping the representatives with the necessary skills and knowledge would strengthen their ability to mobilise women and champion issues affecting them.
Caroline Kukunda, Vice Chairperson of the Kampala District Women Council, called for induction, training and sensitisation programmes to help the leaders understand their responsibilities and effectively represent women in their communities.
“We need training, induction and sensitisation on what is required of us. We need to be empowered as women,” she said.
Francis Lubowa, who was sworn in as Chairperson of the Older Persons Council, called for greater support for elderly residents, urging city authorities and other stakeholders to make their needs a priority in building an inclusive Kampala.
The councils provide platforms for women, older persons and persons with disabilities to participate in leadership, articulate their concerns and influence policies and programmes affecting their welfare.
Women’s councils operate under the National Women’s Council Act and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, with representation extending from village and parish levels to the district, city and national levels.
Their formation is part of Uganda’s constitutional commitment to affirmative action, aimed at ensuring that groups that have historically faced barriers to representation have a voice in decision-making. By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali, Communication and Media Relations Officer. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
