RONALDO N
Kanungu District has officially welcomed its new district leadership following a swearing-in and handover ceremony held today at the Kanungu District Council Hall in Kanungu Town Council.
The event attracted several district leaders, political figures, clergy, stakeholders, and invited guests, including Kinkiizi East Member of Parliament Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Kinkiizi West Member of Parliament James Kaberuka, former Prime Minister Hon. Amama Mbabazi and his wife Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi.
The ceremony was presided over by His Worship Derrick Byamugisha, the Chief Magistrate of Kabale Magistrate Court and acting Kanungu Magistrate Court officer, who administered the oath of office to Hon. Francis Byamukama Kapesha as the new Kanungu District Chairperson alongside newly elected district councillors.
The event also featured the official handover of instruments of power to the new district chairperson by the District Chief Administrative Officer’s office, represented by District Planner Mr. Innocent Atuhaire. The transition follows an earlier handover by former District Chairperson Eng. Sam Arineitwe Kajojo to District Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Awuye Abdallah.
Speaking shortly after taking office, Hon. Francis Byamukama expressed gratitude to the people of Kanungu for entrusting him with leadership and pledged to serve all residents equally, regardless of political affiliation or religious background.
Hon. Byamukama also announced the appointment of Joshua Rukundo, the district workers’ councillor, as the new District Vice Chairperson.
Meanwhile, Kanungu District councillors re-elected Hon. Frank Byaruhanga as District Speaker following internal elections conducted at the district council hall.
Hon. Byaruhanga, who represents Mpungu Sub-county and has served as Speaker for the past five years, retained the position after securing 27 votes against his challenger, Birungi Immaculate, who garnered 26 votes.
Addressing leaders shortly after his victory, Hon. Byaruhanga pledged to serve with dedication and called for unity among leaders and residents to foster development in Kanungu District. However, he also raised concern over allegations of bribery involving some district leaders and committed to working closely with councillors to restore integrity within district leadership.
The district also witnessed the election of 23-year-old Hon. Comfort Kashemire, Female Youth District Councillor, as Deputy Speaker after she secured 34 votes, defeating incumbent Hon. Evelyn Kyasiimire, who received 19 votes.
Hon. Kashemire now becomes the youngest Deputy Speaker in Kanungu District’s history, marking a significant milestone for youth leadership in the district.
