Wandegeya LC1 leaders sworn in, pledge inclusive development and peace

Newly elected Local Council (LC1) and LC2 leaders in Wandegeya Parish, Kawempe Division, Kampala, have pledged to promote inclusive development, strengthen community cooperation and maintain peace as they begin their new term of office.
The leaders made the commitment on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during the official swearing-in ceremony for LC1 and LC2 chairpersons from Kawempe Division, held at the division headquarters.
The ceremony, presided over by Kawempe Division Town Clerk Geoffrey Rwakabare, saw more than 100 local council leaders take their oaths of office before receiving official office stamps.
The swearing-in followed a period of uncertainty in Wandegeya Parish after the local council elections were challenged over alleged electoral malpractice, resulting in a temporary suspension of the ceremony for some of the leaders.
The affected leaders subsequently sought clarification from the Electoral Commission (EC), which wrote to the Kawempe Division Town Clerk clearing three of the four village councils in Wandegeya Parish.
The Wandegeya Parish LC2 Chairperson, Musa Mwanje, together with Women Council leader Harriet Namubiru, played a leading role in seeking clearance for the affected leaders.
The three zones cleared to serve their communities are Kimwanyi, led by Hajji Hassan Wasswa Sempala; Busia, led by Isooba Sammeul; and Katale, led by Simon Sentamu Kirabo.
However, Soweto Zone was not cleared following reported electoral irregularities, with the matter potentially paving the way for a fresh election.
Namubiru thanked Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama for clarifying the disputed results and urged the newly elected leaders to put the interests of residents above political differences.
She also congratulated voters for entrusting them with the responsibility to serve, while calling upon those who lost the elections to join hands with the new leadership in promoting community development.
“Those we defeated should join us in serving the people,” Namubiru said.
The leaders also used the occasion to outline some of the priorities they intend to pursue during their tenure.
Hassan Wasswa Sempala, the LC1 chairman for Kimwanyi Zone, warned residents against violence, criminal activities and drug abuse, saying such behaviour threatens community safety and could result in prosecution.
He urged residents to work with local leaders and security agencies to maintain law and order.
Simon Sentamu Kirabo, the LC1 chairman for Wandegeya Katale Zone, called on residents to embrace productive initiatives that can improve their livelihoods and create better opportunities for the younger generation.
His Busia Zone counterpart, Isooba Sammeul, appealed to residents to remain calm, work hard and preserve peace while supporting development-oriented programmes.
The leaders pledged to work closely with residents, government agencies, religious institutions, businesses and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting the parish.
They said their focus would be on inclusive and people-centred development, peaceful communities and accountable grassroots leadership.
The swearing-in marks the beginning of the leaders’ official mandate as they take on responsibility for mobilising residents, resolving local disputes and supporting government programmes at community level.