The newly sworn LC III Chairperson of Luwero Town Council, Paul Mukungu Ssenyonga, has pledged to prioritize unity and end conflicts among leaders and technical staff in order to accelerate development in the area.
Mukungu, an NRM-leaning Independent, was sworn in on Tuesday after defeating National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Chris Buwembo in the February Local Government elections. He previously served as LC III Chairperson of Luwero Town Council from 2016 to 2021.
Reports indicate that the outgoing leadership had conflicts with several technical staff members, forcing the district Chief Administrative Officer to transfer some officials in a bid to ease tensions and protect service delivery. Buwembo was also reportedly at odds with Katikamu North MP Denis Sekabira, a section of councillors, and several LC I chairpersons.
Speaking after taking office, Mukungu said his first priority would be to unite councillors, political leaders, technical staff, and other stakeholders, noting that conflicts during the 2021–2026 term had negatively affected service delivery and slowed development.
To promote inclusiveness and cohesion, Mukungu appointed a Vice Chairperson from the NRM and three secretaries from the NUP.
He also emphasized that despite his NRM affiliation, he maintains a cordial working relationship with NUP’s MP Denis Sekabira, which he believes will help them jointly lobby for services and development projects for residents.
Mukungu outlined five key priorities for his administration, including improving garbage collection, promoting education, upgrading roads, strengthening security, and lobbying for the elevation of Luwero Town Council to municipality status to spur further development.
Farouk Magezi, the Parish Councillor for Luwero Central Ward, said that although the majority of Councillors subscribe to the NUP, they are ready to work with the NRM-leaning leadership to lobby for services and promote development in the area.
Ambassador Abbey Kigozi Walusimbi, a resident of Luwero Town, welcomed Mukungu’s commitment to unite leaders regardless of political affiliation, saying cooperation would help drive development.
However, outgoing Chairperson Chris Buwembo defended his record, arguing that despite the conflicts, the town council registered increased local revenue collections, improved markets, maintained roads and distributed desks to government primary schools among
Buwembo blamed the disputes on his campaign against corruption among technical staff and what he described as political sabotage by his opponents.
Although he claimed he was cheated in the election, Buwembo said he would not petition the results and instead wished his successor a successful term in office.
Buwembo said he is now eyeing the Katikamu North parliamentary seat and will use the coming period to popularize his political ambitions ahead of the next general elections.
Luwero Resident District Commissioner Mariam Nalubega Sseguya welcomed the new leadership and urged leaders to prioritize monitoring government projects and fighting corruption to ensure meaningful development in the area. As Luwero Town Council enters a new leadership era, residents say they are hopeful for improved service delivery and faster development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
