MICHAEL N
Jacob Kafureeka has been re-elected for a fourth term as Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality following the recently concluded municipal council elections held on Tuesday.
Kafureeka, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, has remained the only mayor of Ntungamo Municipality since its elevation to municipal status in 2010, marking over two decades of continuous leadership.
According to the Electoral Commission and in line with Section 147 of the Local Governments Act, Cap 138, which mandates the Returning Officer to declare a candidate with the highest number of votes, the Ntungamo Municipality Returning Officer, Charles Wafula, officially declared Jacob Kafureeka the winner after securing 3,320 votes, representing 64.83 percent of the total votes cast.
He defeated independent candidate Hajji Akim Muheki, who garnered 1,010 votes (19.72 percent), while Isa Kazimbaya came third with 791 votes (15.45 percent).
Jacob Kafureeka won in all the 38 polling stations across Ntungamo Municipality, registering the highest number of votes cast in the election.
Ntungamo District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Miriam Mugisha Kagiga, commended residents for peacefully participating in the campaigns and elections. She congratulated the electorate for choosing Jacob Kafureeka and urged candidates who lost to accept the results and work together with the elected leadership to promote development rather than engaging in divisionism.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Jacob Kafureeka pledged to promote unity among municipality residents and deliver inclusive development. He outlined key priorities for his new term, including the construction of Ntungamo Municipality Central Market, improvement of drainage systems, rehabilitation of roads, construction of a modern taxi park, expansion of street lighting, and strengthening security, especially in identified crime hotspot areas within the town.
Since the establishment of Ntungamo Municipality in 2010, Jacob Kafureeka, popularly known as Jack Jex, has continuously served as mayor, a record that remains unmatched in the municipality’s history.
Jacob Kafureeka will serve his new five-year term alongside his son, Gerald Karuhanga, who was also elected as the Member of Parliament in the recently concluded elections.
