VANESSA A
Rukungiri District has officially ushered in a new leadership term after newly elected district leaders were sworn into office, with Andrewson Katebire Charles taking charge as District Chairperson LC5 for the 2026–2031 term.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Rukungiri District, was presided over by Ntungamo Chief Magistrate Gordon Muhimbise, who officiated the oath-taking of 37 district councillors alongside the newly elected district chairperson. While congratulating the leaders upon assuming office, the magistrate thanked the people of Rukungiri for participating in the democratic process and electing their leaders.
He urged the newly sworn-in officials to remain guided by the oath they had taken, uphold integrity, and serve with honesty and dedication. He emphasized the importance of God-fearing leadership, noting that public service requires wisdom, accountability, and commitment to addressing the needs of citizens.
The ceremony attracted political leaders, clergy, stakeholders, and invited guests, including Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local Affairs Peace Rugambwa, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament Mary Paula Turyahikayo, and other district leaders.
During the event, Rukungiri District Chief Administrative Officer Fredrick Byekwaso officially handed over district equipment to the newly sworn-in LC5 Chairperson Andrewson Katebire Charles, completing the leadership transition that followed an earlier handover from former LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama.
Speaking after assuming office, Katebire expressed gratitude to God and the people of Rukungiri for entrusting him with leadership, pledging to serve diligently while promoting transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.
He highlighted ongoing district development efforts, including the administration block project and construction of the High Court, noting that such achievements were made possible through partnerships. However, he stressed that more still needs to be done to improve service delivery and ensure proper management of public resources.
Katebire also announced members of his executive team, appointing former district speaker James Turyamuboona as Vice Chairperson LC5, Justus Ngabirano Bugangari as Secretary for Works and Production, Irene Tumusime of Nyarushanje Sub-county as Secretary for Social Services and Trade, and Winnie Nahurira Tuhimbise, Female District Councillor for Kebisoni Sub-county, as Secretary for Finance.
Meanwhile, district councillors elected Albert Ahabwe as Speaker after securing 21 votes against former Speaker James Turyamuboona, who garnered 15 votes, while one ballot was invalid.
In the Deputy Speaker race, Phionah Nankunda of Nyakagyeme Sub-county emerged victorious with 19 votes, defeating Mackline Sabiiti Turyamusima of Buyanja Sub-county, who secured 17 votes.
After taking office, Speaker Albert Ahabwe thanked councillors for entrusting him with leadership and called for unity among leaders. He pledged to champion improved social services and maintain the independence of the district council while consulting experienced leaders to strengthen governance.
Chief guest Peace Rugambwa welcomed the newly elected leaders and called for teamwork, improved service delivery, and stronger efforts to combat corruption. She also urged leaders to protect government projects and educate communities about the Parish Development Model to enable more residents to benefit from government programs.
As part of the occasion, Rugambwa gifted each councillor a Bible and a bar of soap as a symbolic gesture encouraging integrity, cleanliness, and responsible leadership.
